兔死狗烹 — “Rabbit dies, hound cooked”

During the Spring and Autumn period, conflicts frequently erupted between the states of Wu and Yue. In 497 BC, Wu severely defeated Yue, and King Goujian of Yue was forced to surrender to King Fuchai of Wu, becoming his servant. With the help of his advisor Fan Li, Goujian eventually deceived Fuchai and earned his trust. Three years later, he was released and returned to Yue.

To never forget the national humiliation, Goujian slept on straw every night and hung a bitter gall above his sitting place, tasting it before every meal. After ten years of strenuous effort, Yue finally defeated Wu. The two main figures who assisted King Goujian in achieving his revenge were Fan Li and Wen Zhong. After his great defeat at Mount Kuaiji, Yue's national strength was no match for Wu. Goujian discussed with his two ministers, Fan Li and Wen Zhong, how to exact revenge and erase the shame.

Fan Li advised Goujian to appear friendly towards King Fuchai, buying time to develop production, strengthen national power, and enhance military capabilities. Meanwhile, Fuchai, having become a hegemon, grew arrogant and indulged in pleasure. Wen Zhong advised Goujian to present beautiful women to King Wu. Goujian sent people everywhere to find beauties, and eventually, they found Xi Shi, a woman of unparalleled beauty, by the Huanxi River.

King Yue then sent Fan Li to present her to Fuchai. Upon seeing Xi Shi, Fuchai was instantly captivated, treating her like a goddess descended from heaven. He doted on her immensely and gradually relaxed his surveillance on Goujian. Subsequently, Wen Zhong and Fan Li further helped Goujian gain Fuchai's trust. They also orchestrated the death of the loyal minister Wu Zixu and sent infertile seeds to Wu, causing a severe famine that year, which led to widespread unrest within Wu.

After Yue annihilated Wu, Fan Li and Wen Zhong were the greatest contributors. Goujian wanted to appoint Fan Li as the supreme general and Wen Zhong as prime minister. However, Fan Li not only refused the honors but insisted on leaving the country. Despite Goujian's repeated attempts to make him stay, Fan Li left Yue and lived in seclusion in Qi. After leaving, Fan Li still thought of his friend Wen Zhong, so he secretly sent a letter to him, advising him: 'You should also leave quickly. Our mission is complete. Goujian is narrow-minded; one can share hardships with him, but not wealth. Remember: When all the birds are gone, the good bow is put away; when the cunning rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked.'

However, Wen Zhong did not believe that King Yue would harm him and refused to leave, replying: 'I have accomplished such great merits; now is the time to enjoy them. How can I leave now?' Indeed, not long after Wen Zhong became prime minister, Goujian sent him the same sword that Fuchai had used to order Wu Zixu to commit suicide. Along with the sword came a message: 'Sir, you taught me seven ways to destroy Wu. I only used three to defeat Wu, and four methods remain unused. Please take them to the former king.' Wen Zhong understood immediately, regretted not listening to Fan Li, and had no choice but to take his own life with the sword.