曲突徙薪 — “Bend the chimney, move the firewood”

In ancient times, a family built a new house. Many neighbors and relatives came to congratulate them, praising the well-built structure. The owner was delighted. However, one guest sincerely advised the owner, "Your kitchen's chimney goes straight up from the stove. This makes it easy for sparks to fly out and land on the roof, potentially causing a fire. You'd better modify it by adding a curved passage between the stove and the chimney for safety." (This is '曲突', meaning 'bend the chimney'.) The guest paused, then added, "Also, you've piled so much firewood in front of the stove. This is very dangerous; it would be better to move it farther away." (This is '徙薪', meaning 'move the firewood'.)

The owner, hearing this, thought the guest was deliberately trying to embarrass him and was very displeased. Naturally, he did not take the advice seriously. A few days later, a fire indeed broke out in the new house due to the kitchen's flaw. Neighbors from left and right worked together, desperately fighting the flames until they were extinguished.

To thank those who helped put out the fire, the owner hosted a banquet, inviting those who had suffered burns to sit in places of honor. However, he did not invite the guest who had offered the earlier warning. This led to the saying: 'Those with burnt heads are guests of honor, while those who suggest bending the chimney and moving the firewood are sidelined.'

At this point, someone reminded the owner, 'You've invited everyone who helped fight the fire, but why haven't you invited the person who advised you to rebuild the chimney and move the firewood? If you had listened to that guest's advice then, this fire would never have happened. Now, you are inviting guests based on their efforts in fighting the fire, but how can you not invite the one who offered crucial advice, while seating those who got burnt in the most honored positions?' The owner then suddenly realized his mistake and immediately invited the guest who had given the initial warning.