Wo Xin Chang Dan (Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall)

During the Warring States Period in China (476-221 BC), China was divided to more than ten states. Two of them are State of Yue and State of Wu. State of Yue was ruled by young duke named Goujian. The other one was ruled by Fuchai.

Fuchai’s father was killed on earlier battle. In 493 BC, To revenge the death ofFuchai’s father, State of Wu invaded State of Yue. Later, State of Yue was defeated and surrendered. Goujian, his wife, and his prime minister Fan Li were captured and forced to serve as servant.

Through years Goujian chopped woods and took care of horses, and his wife watered gardens, swept courtyards and cleaned toilets. Things that royal families never do. Fan Li helped both of them.

In 490 BC. Fuchai suffered for an unknown disease. Goujian knew this disease and very sure that Fuchai will be healthy very soon. Fan Li suggested Goujian to ask the officials to pay Fuchai a visit. When Goujian arrived greets Fuchai. Unexpectedly, Goujian tastes Fuchai’s feces and told Fuchai that days later he will be recovered. Fuchai asked his crown prince and officials to do the same. But no one dared to do it. Moved by Goujian’s loyalty, Fuchai feels that Goujian was no longer a threat. So Goujian was restored to his country and had to pay tribute to Fuchai annually.

After returning to the State of Yue, Goujian went through some self-inflicted hardships by sleeping on sticks and forcing himself to taste bile. That way, he could remember his humiliations when in Wu. He hired talented officials and warriors to help him reform and strengthen State of Yue. Economic and population grew significantly. Numbers of warriors increased. Goujian also bribed Officials of Wu so Fuchai wouldn’t see any progress.

In 473 BC, State of Wu invaded State of Qi. Although State of Wu won the battle, his state power was weakening. Goujian saw this opportunity and launched a surprise attack against the State of Wu. Later, the State of Yue defeated and annexed Wu. Fuchai escapes to a hill. Goujian gave him and opportunity to be his servant to be his servant. Fuchai couldn’t face Goujian and committed suicide. State of Wu became part State of Yue and last for hundred years.

Goujian’s hardships and not enjoying wealthness for about twenty years had been proven with a victory and inspired may people for centuries.

The Emperor Lives Longer than His Children

Once upon a time, there was a emperor who dreamed about losing almost all of his teeth. So he summoned two most famous exegetes to explain the meaning og his dream.

After analyzing, First exegete told the emperor that he would lose all of his children. The emperor disliked the meaning and think that the exegete trying to curse him. Later he was ordered to be executed to death.

The second one told the emperor that he will live longer than his children. The emperor was happy with this meaning and gave the exegete with bars of gold.

The second meaning is the same as the first one. The differences is the second one tells better. This is a good story about communicating ideas to people without giving any negative meanings.