“Clam, Crane, and the Fisherman: A Tale of Stubbornness and Strategy”

'Chao' was going to invade 'Yen.' 'Sui Tai' went to King 'Huei' of 'Chao' on 'Yen's'' behalf. "This morning," said 'Su Tai,' "when I was coming on my way, I was passing the 'Yi' River. There I saw a clam sunning itself in the sun, and a crane came along to peck at its flesh, and the clam shut its shell on the crane's beak tightly.

The crane said: "If it doesn't rain to-day and doesn't rain to-morrow there will be a dead clam." And the clam also said: "If you can't get out to-day and cant get out to-morrow, there will be a dead crane."

Neither of the two was willing to let go, when a fisherman came up and caught both. Now if you go and attack 'Yen', the two countries will be locked in battle for a long time until the people of both countries are exhausted. I am afraid the strong 'Ch'in' will be the fisherman. You might think this over carefully. "Good," said the King, and he gave up the idea.