Yan Zi of the State of Qi was sent on a mission to the State ofChu. The King of Chu intended to humiliate the State of Qi toYan Zi's face.
One day, the King of Chu gave a banquet for Yan Zi. Just when they were enjoying it, two petty officials brought a convictto the King.Deliberately the King of Chu asked: "What crime has this man committed?"
One of the petty officials answered: "He robs."
Again the King of Chu asked: “Where is he from?"
The petty official answered:"He is from the State of Qi."
The King of Chu turned to Yan Zi and said:"So the people of the State of Qi are used to committingrobbery."
Yan Zi stood up and replied: "Your Majesty, I heard that when orange trees grown in thesouth of the Huai River are transplanted to the north of Huai River,they become trifoliate orange trees. Outwardly the leaves of orangetrees and those of trifoliate orange trees look alike, but the tastesof their fruits are entirely different. Our people of the State of Qinever commit robbery, but once they come to the State of Chu,they start to engage in criminal activities. I think, maybe this isthe effect of the environment and climate here."
As the King of Chu heard this, he was struck dumb withshame.