man called Cao Shang from the State of Song was sent by King Yan of Song (reigned ?-286 B.C.) as an ambassador to the State of Qin. When he left Song he was given several fine carriages by the king so that he could make a fine show. The ruler of Qin was so delighted with his eloquence that he gave him a hundred more carriages. On returning to Song, Cao Shang lost no time showing off his carriages. One day he visited Zhuang Zi wearing a proud, self-satisfied look. He said to him: "I can not bear to live in the poor streets of an impoverished village, make sandals and weave mats, and suffer from hunger. This may be my weak point. By impressing a ruler of ten thousand chariots with my skill I am given a hundred of them, this I enjoy and am good at."