During the Warring States period, King Xuan of Qi was very fond of listening to ensemble performances of the yu (a wind instrument). Mr. Nanguo, a lazy and untalented man, found a way to join the royal orchestra. He pretended to be an expert, nodding his head and swaying his body as if he were deeply engrossed in the music, even though he didn't know how to play.

Not long after, King Xuan died, and his son, King Min, ascended the throne. King Min, however, preferred to listen to solo yu performances.

Mr. Nanguo became nervous, fearing his deception would be exposed. That very night, he secretly fled the palace.