Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya discussed: “Our sovereign governs recklessly and shall lose the state. Among the princes, only Jiu and Xiaobai (Xiao Bai) are worthy of support. Let us each serve one; whoever gains the throne shall rescue the other.”
Guan Zhong followed Prince Jiu, Bao Shuya served Prince Xiaobai. Later the people of Qi killed their lord; Xiao Bai returned first and ascended as Duke Huan of Qi. Lu handed over imprisoned Guan Zhong to Qi, and Bao Shuya recommended him to be prime minister.
An old saying goes: Though Wu Xian excels at prayer rites, he cannot rid himself of misfortune; though Qin’s imperial physicians master healing, they cannot cure their own ailments. Even the wise Guan Zhong needed Bao Shuya’s help, matching the folk maxim: A servant cannot sell his own fur coat well, nor can a scholar win trust by boasting of his own eloquence.
Note
Even outstanding talents cannot achieve success by self-promotion alone; reliable recommendation from trusted associates is essential to break through predicament.
Late Warring States Legalist thinker, uses this allusion to stress the necessity of external recommendation.
Preeminent statesman of Qi, great administrator.
Bao Shu Ya (Bao Shuya)
Bao Shuya was Guan Zhong’s lifelong bosom friend, wise minister who recommended Guan Zhong.
Prince Jiu & Prince Xiaobai (Duke Huan of Qi)
Two princes competing for Qi’s throne.
State of Lu
Neighbor state that once detained Guan Zhong.
Wu Xian
Legendary ancient shaman famous for sacrificial prayers and exorcism.
Qi’s throne succession turmoil
A famous Spring-Autumn historical event about the fight between prince Xiaobai and Jiu for Qi’s kingship.
Ancient proverb culture
Pre-Qin folks used shaman, doctor, peddler metaphors to reflect human limitation: people struggle with self-promotion.
Official recommendation system
In early ancient China, worthy talents mostly relied on noble acquaintances to get official appointments instead of self-recommendation.
管仲、鲍叔相谓曰：“不寿君乱甚矣，必失国。齐国之诸公子其可辅者，非公子纠，则小白也。与子人事一人焉，先达者相收。”管仲乃从公子纠，鲍叔从小白。国人果弑君。小白先人为君，鲁人拘管仲而效之，鲍叔言而相之。故谚曰：“巫咸虽善祝，不能自祓也；秦医虽善除，不能自弹也。”以管仲之圣而待鲍叔之助，此鄙谚所谓“虏自卖裘而不售，士自誉辩而不信“者也。
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