Hanzi

During the Spring and Autumn Period, the Qin army achieved a great victory over the Zhao army near Changping. Qin's general, Bai Qi, pursued the fleeing forces and laid siege to Handan, the capital of Zhao. The situation in Zhao was extremely perilous.

Lord Pingyuan, Zhao Sheng, was instructed by King Zhao to seek military aid from the Chu state to lift the siege. Lord Pingyuan gathered his retainers, intending to select twenty individuals with both civil and military talents to accompany him. After much deliberation, he was still short one person.

At this moment, a retainer named Mao Sui stepped forward and recommended himself, saying, "Count me in!" Lord Pingyuan, seeing Mao Sui's persistent request, reluctantly agreed.

Upon their arrival in Chu, King Chu only granted an audience to Lord Pingyuan. The two sat in the palace, discussing the matter from morning until noon, but no resolution was reached.

Mao Sui then strode up the steps, loudly calling from a distance, "The matter of sending troops is either advantageous or disadvantageous, either disadvantageous or advantageous; it is simple and clear. Why is there no decision?" King Chu was greatly displeased and asked Lord Pingyuan, "Who is this person?" Lord Pingyuan replied, "His name is Mao Sui, and he is my retainer!" King Chu then shouted, "Get down at once! I am speaking with your master, what are you doing here?"

Mao Sui, far from retreating at King Chu's anger, advanced several more steps. With his hand on his sword, he declared, "Now, within ten paces, Your Majesty's life is in my hands!" Seeing Mao Sui's bravery, King Chu ceased his reprimand and listened. Mao Sui then provided a brilliant analysis of why aiding Zhao would be beneficial to Chu.

Mao Sui's compelling arguments deeply impressed King Chu, who immediately agreed to send troops. Within a few days, Chu, Wei, and other states dispatched their joint forces to assist Zhao, causing the Qin army to withdraw. After Lord Pingyuan returned to Zhao, he treated Mao Sui as an honored guest. He remarked with admiration, "As soon as Mr. Mao arrived in Chu, King Chu dared not underestimate Zhao."