Between the States of Jin and Guo was the State of Yu.
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.
Xun Xi, a high official of the State of Jin, offered his scheme to the King. He said: "If you offer that piece of round jade1 and that fine steed as gifts to the King of Yu to ask his permission, he is sure to give his consent."
The King of Jin said: "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?"
Xun Xi replied: "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
