第五章 负荆请罪

During the Warring States period, there were two important people in the state of Zhao: one was General Lian Po, and the other was civil official Lin Xiangru.

Lian Po led troops in battle and had many achievements, respected by all in Zhao.

Lin Xiangru also made great contributions. Twice he protected Zhao's honor in front of powerful Qin with his eloquence and courage.

The King of Zhao valued him greatly and gave him a high position, even higher than Lian Po.

Lian Po was very unhappy.

"I fought with my life to get where I am today. Lin Xiangru relies only on his mouth, why is his position higher than mine?"

He said to his subordinates, "Next time I see Lin Xiangru, I will insult him to his face."

This news soon reached Lin Xiangru.

Lin Xiangru began to avoid Lian Po. He pretended to be sick and did not go to court, and when going out, if he heard that Lian Po was ahead, he would ask his chariot driver to take a detour.

Once, they met on the road. Lin Xiangru's carriage immediately turned around and retreated into a small alley to let Lian Po pass first.

Lian Po's subordinates were very pleased. But Lin Xiangru's people could not stand it anymore.

They said to Lin Xiangru, "We follow you because we respect you. Now that you are so afraid of Lian Po, we feel ashamed. Please let us leave."

Lin Xiangru kept them and asked, "Do you think General Lian and the King of Qin, which one is more terrifying?"

The retainers said, "Of course the King of Qin."

Lin Xiangru said, "I dare to speak loudly in front of the King of Qin, so how could I be afraid of General Lian?"

"Why doesn't powerful Qin dare to attack Zhao? Because Zhao has me and General Lian. If we two are not in harmony, Qin will take the opportunity to invade."

"I yield to him, not because I fear him, but because I put the country first."

These words reached Lian Po's ears.

That day, Lian Po did not go out. He sat at home and felt more and more ashamed.

He remembered his own words, and how Lin Xiangru had given way again and again. He thought he had been humiliated, but in fact it was he who was shameful.

The next day, Lian Po took off his upper garment, carried thorn branches on his back, and came to Lin Xiangru's door. Thorns are thorny branches, and carrying them meant he was willing to be punished.

When Lin Xiangru heard that Lian Po had come, he hurried out to welcome him.

Lian Po knelt on the ground and said, "I am a rude person and did not understand your intentions. Please beat me with the thorns. I admit my mistake."

Lin Xiangru quickly helped him up: "That you can say this is more valuable than anything."

The two bowed to each other. From then on, they became good friends.

Lian Po recognized his mistake and chose to apologize to Lin Xiangru, putting an end to the wrong behavior.