宾至如归 — “Guests arrive as if returning home”

Zichan, also known as Gongsun Qiao, was a high official of the Zheng state during the Spring and Autumn period. He served as prime minister for many years, holding the reins of power in Zheng. In 542 BC, Zichan was dispatched by Duke Jian of Zheng to visit the Jin state, bringing with him numerous gifts. It so happened that Duke Xiang of Lu had recently passed away. Duke Ping of Jin, using the pretext of mourning for Lu's state funeral, avoided receiving the Zheng envoy.

Zichan then instructed his accompanying staff to dismantle the outer walls of the Jin state's guesthouse, after which they drove in their carriages, set up their belongings, and settled in. Upon hearing this news, Duke Ping of Jin was startled and sent his high official Shi Wenbo to the guesthouse to question Zichan.

Shi Wenbo stated, "Our state is the leader of the feudal lords, and many officials from various states come here to pay tribute. To prevent theft and ensure the safety of our esteemed guests, we specially constructed this guesthouse with thick walls. Now you have demolished these walls; what about the safety of other feudal lords' guests? Our ruler wishes to understand your intention behind tearing down the walls."

Zichan replied, "Our Zheng state is small and must offer tribute to the great states. This time, we brought treasures collected from our own land to attend the court. However, your ruler happens to be occupied, and we cannot meet him, nor do we know the date of our audience. I have heard that when Duke Wen of Jin was the hegemon, his own palace was modest, but the guesthouse for receiving feudal lords was built tall and grand. When guests arrived, every need was attended to, and they could present their gifts promptly. He shared joys and sorrows with his guests, taught them what they did not know, and assisted them in times of difficulty. Guests coming here felt as if they had returned to their own homes. However, today, Jin's Tongxie Mountain palace stretches for several li, while the feudal lords' guests are housed in rooms fit for servants. Carriages cannot enter the gate, and there is no definite date for an audience. We cannot climb over the walls. If we do not dismantle them, allowing these gifts to be exposed to the sun and rain day and night, that would be our fault. If we are permitted to present our gifts, we are willing to rebuild the walls before our return."

Shi Wenbo reported the situation to Duke Ping, who felt ashamed. He immediately received Zichan, hosted a grand banquet, offered generous return gifts, and ordered the guesthouse to be rebuilt.