During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the high official Sima Yu invited two prominent figures, Wang Tanzhi and Fan Qi, for an important discussion. Although Fan Qi was older, Wang Tanzhi held a higher official rank.

As they approached the meeting place, both courteously insisted the other go first, engaging in a moment of polite deference. Wang Tanzhi, finally stepping ahead, lightheartedly remarked, '簸之扬之，糠秕在前' (To winnow and toss, the chaff is ahead), subtly implying his own perceived lesser worth compared to Fan Qi, just as chaff is lighter and goes ahead.

Fan Qi, quick-witted and ready with a retort, immediately replied, '淘啊汰啊，沙砾在后' (To wash and sift, the gravel remains behind), cleverly suggesting that while Wang Tanzhi might be like the 'chaff' moving forward, he himself, like 'gravel,' possessed more substance and would endure, despite following behind.

This witty exchange became a famous anecdote illustrating their humor and intellectual repartee.