Describes a situation where basic necessities like firewood become exceedingly expensive, comparable to precious items like cassia wood, indicating an extremely high cost of living or severe inflation.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Su Qin, a master of diplomatic persuasion, traveled extensively to advocate his political ideas.
When he arrived in the State of Chu to seek an audience with its king, the usher at the palace gate, failing to extort a bribe, intentionally caused trouble. He made Su Qin wait for three days and sold him goods at outrageously high prices.
After Su Qin eventually met the King of Chu, they found their conversation very engaging. Su Qin then remarked that in Chu, rice was as precious as pearls, and firewood was as expensive as cassia wood.