There was a Chinese man who faked his way into becoming a musician for the King of Qi without knowing how to play the instrument at all. He imitated movements of other musicians and was paid a good salary in the ensemble until the King died. The new King preferred solo performances, so he fled

Chinese Idiom Story – Lan Yu Chong Shu

In ancient times, there was a country called Qi. The King of Qi liked to listen to music, especially to yu [an ancient reed instrument]. At that time, he had 300 musicians who could play the yu. The king liked liveliness, and every time he listened to the yu, he always asked the 300 musicians to make an ensemble for him.

There was a person called Nan Guo, and when he heard that the king liked to listen to an ensemble, he thought it was a good opportunity to make money, and so he ran to see the king. Nan Guo bragged to the king and said, “Oh, Great King, everyone who has heard me playing yu has been moved. Birds sing after hearing it, and flowers will dance after hearing it. I want to present my skill to Your Majesty.” The king was very excited, so he let Nan Guo join the yu ensemble.

But in fact, Nan Guo couldn’t play the yu. So what did he do?… Continue Reading (2 minute read)