A charioteer hoped to get an audience with the King of Chu by his driving skill. The royal grooms envied him and said: “He is skilled at chasing deer.”
In the royal hunt, the king drove the chariot yet failed to catch deer. Once the man took the reins, they soon overtook the prey. The king admired his fine carriage work, and the man told the king about the grooms’ malicious jealousy.
Note
Real ability stands out in practical trials; slander and jealousy cannot conceal genuine competence.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher, uses the story to illustrate genuine talent proves itself through practice.
Unknown charioteer
A skilled driver who won recognition via practical performance.
King of Chu
Ruler of the State of Chu.
Royal grooms
Jealous attendants who tried to hinder the newcomer.
Chariot driving
Mastery of carriage driving was a valued craft and official employment path in ancient Chu.
Workplace jealousy
Court subordinates often slandered talented newcomers out of private envy.
Test by practice
Pre-Qin aristocrats commonly judged ability through on-site practical tests instead of hearsay.
有欲以御見荊王者，眾騶妒之，因曰：「臣能撽鹿。」見王，王為御，不及鹿，自御及之。王善其御也，乃言眾騶妒之。
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