During the late Spring and Autumn period, Fan Li and Wen Zhong, both from the State of Chu, became high-ranking officials in the State of Yue. They tirelessly assisted King Goujian, who had been defeated by King Fuchai of the State of Wu. Through their strategic guidance and unwavering efforts, they eventually helped the State of Yue become powerful enough to conquer the State of Wu.

Fan Li, however, deeply understood King Goujian's suspicious and often ruthless nature once his goals were achieved. He wisely decided to leave the court. He went to the State of Qi, where he changed his name and surname ( 变名易姓 ) to conceal his true identity and started a new life as a successful merchant.

He tried to persuade Wen Zhong to also depart, cautioning him with the proverb: 'When the cunning rabbits are dead, the hunting dogs are boiled.' However, Wen Zhong did not heed his friend's warning and remained. As Fan Li had foreseen, Wen Zhong was later executed by King Goujian.