A Mediocre Man and a State Talent

Yu Rang hid under the bridge over Chishui River to assassinate Zhao Xiangzi when Zhao's horses got suddenly frightened as they came to the bridge and Yu Rang was caught by the guards.

Zhao Xiangzi interrogated him,“You once served the families of Fan and Zhonghang. Zhi Bo eliminated both of them. You didn't revenge for them and became the family-minister of Zhi Bo. But why are you so resolved to revenge for him after Zhi Bo had died?”

Yu Rang said,“When I was in the family of Fan and Zhonghang, they regarded and treated me as a mediocre man, so I rewarded them as a mediocre man. But Zhi Bo regarded and treated me as a state talent, so I must requite him as a state talent.”

ZhaoXiangzi sighed and said,“Yu Rang! You have shown your faithfulness to Zhi Bo. And I have forgiven enough because I have released you once. To be worthy of your faithful reputation, you are supposed to sacrifice yourself and I can't bear to release you any more in behalf of you. To live or to die, it's up to you.”

Yu Rang said,“I heard a wise master wouldn't cover others' virtue, but a faithful minister didn't fear death for righteousness. You once released me, and all the people would praise your virtue. Today I am ready to die, but I have a final request for allowing me to thrust your dress to show my mind of revenge. Then I will die without any regret.”

Zhao Xiangzi was deeply touched by his faithfulness and let the guards hold the dress for him. Yu Rang leapt and cut the dress three times with his sword before committing suicide. Hearing this, all the persons of fidelity and integrity in Zhao wept for the death of Yu Rang.

We should be frank and candid with others. Only by this way can we win other people's trust.