"Your Majesty, I heard that when orange trees grown in thesouth of the Huai River are transplanted to the north of Huai River, they become trifoliate orange trees. Outwardly the leaves of orangetrees and those of trifoliate orange trees look alike, but the tastesof their fruits are entirely different. Our people of the State of Qinever commit robbery, but once they come to the State of Chu, they start to engage in criminal activities. I think, maybe this isthe effect of the environment and climate here."

One of the petty officials answered:

Deliberately the King of Chu asked:

Yan Zi of the State of Qi was sent on a mission to the State of Chu. The King of Chu intended to humiliate the State of Qi toYan Zi's face.

Again the King of Chu asked:

"He is from the State of Qi."

One day, the King of Chu gave a banquet for Yan Zi. Just when they were enjoying it, two petty officials brought a convictto the King.

The petty official answered:

As the King of Chu heard this, he was struck dumb withshame.

The King of Chu turned to Yan Zi and said:

"So the people of the State of Qi are used to committingrobbery."

Yan Zi stood up and replied:

"He robs."

"What crime has this man committed?"

"Where is he from?"