Fan Li, courtesy name Shaobo, was from Nanyang in the state of Chu. In the late Spring and Autumn period, he was an outstanding politician, military strategist, and extraordinary businessman.
In his early years, Fan Li’s talents went unrecognized, and he wandered through forests and rural backwaters. Because his behavior was so unconventional, people called him a madman or a wild eccentric. Wen Zhong, the magistrate of Nanyang County, recognized his worth and visited Fan Li three times in Fan Gong Village to persuade him to come out. The two left Chu for Yue, hoping to accomplish great things.
In the war between Wu and Yue, Yue was defeated at Kuaiji Mountain, and King Goujian of Yue was driven to the end of his rope. Fan Li had lofty ambitions and urged Goujian to endure humiliation and serve as a slave in Wu. He volunteered to accompany Goujian there. For three years, he was enslaved, chopping fodder and feeding horses for King Fuchai of Wu, leading his horse and serving at his stirrup, and enduring every humiliation.
After returning from Wu to Yue, Fan Li was appointed chancellor. He planned and carried out the national policy of “ten years of rebuilding the population and resources, and ten years of training and discipline.” He urged Goujian to sleep on brushwood and taste gall, then led the people of Yue along the path to wealth and military strength. Yue eventually grew powerful enough to destroy Wu, forcing King Fuchai to take his own life.
“Raising one state to greatness and bringing another to ruin”: Fan Li’s political career reached its peak. Yet he did not cling to high office or covet generous rewards. He knew when to withdraw, decisively resigned and surrendered his official seal, then set sail across the Five Lakes with the beauty Xi Shi.
Had his story ended there, Fan Li would have been no more than a wise man who had seen through life. But after leaving politics, he entered the world of commerce and created another miracle.
It's good to use modern language to interpret obscure ancient texts 😂😂