One-Upmanship
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Wang Dan was the highest ranking military officer under Emperor Zhenzong in the Song dynasty. One day, Kou Zhun, a talented colleague of his, called upon him and asked him to help him secure the position of a regional prefect which would put him in charge of several provinces.
Wang Dan gave Kou Zhun a disapproving look. "Regional prefect is an important post. How can you ask for it as though it's a private favor? I never use my office for private favor."
Kou Zhun bore him a grudge for the snub. Not long afterwards the emperor appointed Kou Zhun to the post he desired and he was very grateful.
"If it's not for Your Majesty, I would not have been so fortunate."
"No, it's not my idea," the emperor told him. "Wang Dan recommended you."
Kou Zhun was ashamed. Later Wang Dan recommended him to be prime minister. Yet Kou Zhun often spoke ill of Wang Dan to the emperor while Wang Dan had only praise for him.
"You speak highly of Kou Zhun," the emperor told Wang Dan, "but he only talks about your faults."
"It's natural," replied Wang Dan. "I've been in office a long time. I had my share of mistakes. Kou Zhun criticized me out of loyalty to Your Majesty. That is why I think favorably of him."
The emperor held Wang Dan in greater respect. Despite his exalted position, Kou Zhun always felt inferior to Wang Dan.
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Wise Proverbs
- A still tongue makes a wise head.
- 寡言者智。
- All rivers run into sea.
- 海纳百川。
- Virtue is fairer far than beauty.
- 美德远胜于美貌。
Editor Says:
Kou Zhun might have the ability to be prime minister but certainly not the broad mind to be a good one.