“ ‘ “The year of your promise is not yet gone,” said Confucius. “If you do that, you must return the priceless fan.” And the young king gave Confucius his fan and went away.
“ ‘The king gave his general the order to make ready for war. But in a few hours he repented of what he had done, for he prized the fan of Confucius above all gold or jewels, and he ordered his general to cease preparing for battle. And he further ordered that a Jeh-Shung—good talker—be sent with this message to Confucius.
“ ‘ “I, the king, am sick at heart. I wish you to come to me and bring with you the fan which I prize [[164]]above all gems. I will not battle with the weaker kingdom.”
“ ‘ “I have important work and can not come to-day,” answered Confucius, “but in one more day I will see the king.”
“ ‘Then the king was very happy again, for his heart was set on possessing the fan.
“ ‘When the next day came, the king sent the most honorable chair (carried by eight men), and went himself to meet Confucius, who held in his hand the priceless fan, for well he knew the heart of the young king.
“ ‘And when he drew near, the king could not see Confucius. He saw only the sparkling colors of the fan he so desired. And Confucius said, “I thought you were going to destroy the weaker nation. Why do you wish me to come here?”
“ ‘Then the king bowed to Confucius and said, “I am in the wrong. I have thought deeply about this, and I will take your advice and keep peace. Now, will you give me the fan?”
“ ‘ “No, you are not to have the fan on the agreement which you broke, for when you sent me away you prepared to make war on the weaker nation,” said Confucius.
“ ‘And the young King fell with his face to the ground and his attendants came to care for him. [[165]]