Tzŭ should be supplied with food. But when Lieh Tzŭ saw the messengers, he bowed twice and declined.
When the messengers had gone, and Lieh Tzŭ went within, his wife gazed at him, and beating her breast said, "I have heard that the wife and children of a man of Tao are happy and joyful. But see how hungry I am. His Excellency sent you food, and you would not take it. Is not this flying in the face of Providence?"
"His Excellency did not know me personally," answered Lieh Tzŭ with a smile. "It was because of what others said about me that he sent me the food. If then men were to speak ill of me, he would also act upon it. For that reason I refused the food."
Subsequently, there was trouble among the people of Cheng, and Tzŭ Yang was slain.
When Prince Chao of the Ch'u State lost his kingdom, he was followed into exile by his butcher, named Yüeh.
On his restoration, as he was distributing rewards to those who had remained faithful to him, he came to the name of Yüeh.
Yuëh, however, said, "When the prince lost his kingdom, I lost my butchery. Now that the prince has got back his kingdom, I have got back my butchery. I have recovered my office and salary. What need for further reward?"
On hearing this, the prince gave orders that he should be made to take his reward.
