When Prince Jian of Chu was killed in Zheng, his son Sheng fled to Wu. The prime minister Zixi planned to summon him back. Shen Zhuliang cautioned: "Sheng is fierce but narrow-minded, obsessed with vengeance. Heed my words—trust him too much and he'll grow arrogant; slight him and he'll harbor resentment. A state's decline often begins with such a man." Zixi ignored the advice. He recalled Sheng, titled him Duke Bai, and stationed him at the border. After military victories, Sheng grew ambitious, rebelled, kidnapped King Hui, and killed Zixi, nearly toppling Chu.
True wisdom lies in foresight. A heart consumed by old grudges is like a concealed blade—eventually it cuts the one who holds it. The wise do not let fleeting gains blind them to lasting peril. To recognize trouble before it stirs is the mark of a clear mind.