Xun Xi, a high official of the State of Jin, offered his scheme to the King. He said:
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Between the States of Jin and Guo was the State of Yu.
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"If you offer that piece of round jade and that fine steed as gifts to the King of Yu to ask his permission, he is sure to give his consent."
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Once, the State of Jin intended to invade the State of Guo and had to seek for permission to go by way of the State of Yu. The King of Jin was worried that the State of Yu would refuse to consent.
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"The round jade from Chuiji is an heirloom from my ancestors. The fine steed from Qudi is a great favorite of mine. If the King of Yu accepted our gifts, yet would not give us permission, what shall we do then?"
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The King of Jin said:
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"That is not likely. If the King of Yu does not consent to give us permission, he certainly dares not accept our gifts. If he accepts our gifts and gives us permission, that will be like moving the round jade from the storehouse inside to the storehouse outside, and the fine horse from the stable inside to the stable outside. Why should you worry?"
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Xun Xi replied:
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Sure enough, the King of Yu, coveting the round jade and the fine horse, was ready to give permission.
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The King of Yu did not listen to Gong Ziqi's advice and consented to the request of the State of Jin.
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"You shouldn't give your consent! The State of Guo is our neighbour. Its relation with us is just like that of the lips with the teeth. If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. If we give permission to let the State of Jin invade the State of Guo, then when the latter is subjugated, will our state still be safe? That absolutely won't do!"
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Soon, Xun Xi led his forces and conquered the State of Guo. Three years later, the State of Jin conquered the State of Yu, too. Carrying the round jade and leading the fme horse, Xun Xi returned in triumph and gave them back to the King of Jin.
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At this moment, his high official Gong Ziqi quickly stepped forward to dissuade him, saying:
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Immensely pleased, the King of Jin smiled and said:
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"The round jade remains the same; only the fine steed has aged a bit."
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