对牛弹琴 — “To address an unsuitable audience”

During the Warring States period, there was a musician named Gong Mingyi, who was highly skilled at composing and playing the seven-stringed zither. His beautiful and melodious music was loved and respected by many.

Gong Mingyi not only played indoors but also enjoyed taking his zither to the countryside on fine days. One day, he arrived at the outskirts where a gentle spring breeze was blowing, willows swayed softly, and a yellow ox grazed peacefully in the grass.

Feeling inspired, Gong Mingyi set up his zither, plucked the strings, and began playing his most elegant piece, "Qingjuezhi Cao," for the ox. However, the old yellow ox remained utterly indifferent, continuing to graze with its head down.

Gong Mingyi thought that perhaps the music was too refined, so he changed to a simpler, lighter melody. Still, the ox showed no reaction, leisurely continuing to eat grass.

Gong Mingyi then summoned all his skill, playing his most proficient tunes. This time, the old yellow ox occasionally swished its tail to swat at horseflies, but otherwise kept its head down, silently munching on grass. Eventually, the old yellow ox slowly walked away to another spot to graze.

Gong Mingyi was very disappointed that the ox remained completely unmoved. People told him, "Don't be upset! It's not that your music isn't beautiful; it's just that your music isn't meant for an ox's ears!"

In the end, Gong Mingyi could only sigh, pick up his zither, and return, realizing his efforts had been in vain.