说苑/齊將軍田聵出將，張生郊送曰：「昔者堯讓許由以天下，洗耳而不受，將軍知之乎？

“Bo Yi and Shu Qi declined to be the rulers of a state; do you know this, general?” “Yes, it is so; I know it,” he replied.

“Wuling Zhongzi declined a minister’s position and worked as a hired laborer watering a garden; do you know this, general?” “Yes, it is so; I know it.” “Zhi Guo quit his position as a ruler’s younger brother, changed his name, and lived as a commoner; do you know this, general?” “Yes, it is so; I know it.” “Sun Shu Ao thrice declined the prime ministership and had no regrets; do you know this, general?” “Yes, it is so; I know it.” “Those five officers all ostensibly chose to decline what was offered them, but they were actually ashamed to accept.

In the present case, general, you have reserved to yourself the authority of an entire state; you carry drums and bear banners; you wear sturdy armor and grasp sharp weapons; you cause a hundred thousand troops to move this way and that at your command; and you wield the authority of the executioner’s ax— take care that you do not rely on what those men were ashamed of to be arrogant before your men.” Tian Kui said, “Today various gentlemen have made offerings to the God of the Roads on my behalf and have provided me with wine and meat, but only you, sir, have taught me the great way of the sages.

I shall reverently observe your commands.