A Ribbon-Ripping Banquet
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King Zhuang of Chu was giving a banquet for his ministers and generals. Music was played and toasts were exchanged amid a convivial atmosphere. The banquet went from afternoon into evening and candles were lit. The king asked his concubine, the beautiful Princess Xu, to walk around the hall and pour wine for each guest at the table.
In the midst of laughter and tinkling of glasses, a wind suddenly blew out all the candles, and the banquet hall was enveloped in darkness. Princess Xu happened to stand near a man who, enticed by her beauty, pulled at her clothes until his fingers nearly touched her breast. The princess staved off the intrusion dexterously and ripped the chin ribbon off the man’s hat.
She ran up to the king and whispered, “Somebody was trying to pull off my clothes. But I’ve snatched the chin ribbon off his hat. Please have the candles lit up. I can identify him easily.”
Instead of summoning the attendants to light up the candles, the king proposed that everyone take off their hats, loosen their clothes and have a good time. Too willing to oblige, the guests complied right away. When the candles were relit, Princess Xu was unable to identify the man. She was upset.
When the party was over, the king explained to her, “That man must’ve been a little drunk. You needn’t make a fuss to spoil the party. These men have worked for me in good faith. I wanted them to have a good time.”
Three years went by. War broke out between Chu and its neighbor, Wu. King Zhuang was surrounded by the enemy in a battle, and fought desperately to break out. At this moment, one General Tang rushed to his rescue. The general fought so bravely that the king was able to snatch victory out of defeat.
King Zhuang was filled with gratitude. “I haven’t been particularly nice to you, why did you fight so hard to save me?”
He wanted to reward the general, but the general declined his offer.
“Your Majesty, I am the man who harassed Princess Xu at a banquet three years ago. You could have punished me but you overlooked my fault. From that day on I’ve been looking for a chance to express my gratitude.”
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Wise Proverbs
- A good medicine tastes bitter.
- 良药苦口。
- Those who do evil and violate the codes, as well as those who are loyal and good, must receive their due from the proper authorities.
- 亲贤臣，远小人。
- It's better to have one competent arguer than to have one thousand echoing.
- 千夫诺诺，不如一士之谔谔。
Editor Says:
The king's handling of the situation was hailed as a quintessential example of being magnanimous to one's subordinates. Such magnanimity is bound to earn their lasting loyalty.