大臣諫者七十二人，皆死矣。
Some of the officers involved in the project had to bring three months’ worth of provisions with them.
有諸御己者，違楚百里而耕，謂其耦曰：「吾將入見於王。
Seventy-two great officers of the court admonished him about the project, and all suffered death.
」其耦曰：「以身乎？
吾聞之，說人主者，皆閒暇之人也，然且至而死矣。
There was man named Zhu Yuji, who tilled the soil a hundred li from the capital, who said to his plowing partner, “I am going to seek an audience with the king.” “You’re going on your own authority?” asked the friend.
今子特草茅之人耳！
“I have heard that those who go to argue policy before rulers are all well-off people who enjoy leisure, but, once they go, they die.
」諸御己曰：「若與子同耕，則比力也，至於說人主，則不與子比智矣。
And you are a mere rustic.” “When I do the plowing with you,” retorted Zhu Yuji, “we work with comparable strength, but, in discussing policy with rulers, your wisdom and mine are not comparable.” With this he abandoned his plow and obtained an audience with King Zhuang of Chu.
」委其耕而入見莊王。
“Zhu Yuji, come here,” said King Zhuang.
莊王謂之曰：「諸御己來！
汝將諫邪？」
“Do you intend to admonish me?