When the Sweet Wine Stopped
Liu Jiao, brother of Emperor Gaozu of Han, was made Prince of Chu. He treated Mu Sheng and his colleagues with great respect. Mu did not drink alcohol, so the Prince always prepared sweet rice wine for him at banquets.
When the Prince's son succeeded him, he initially continued this practice but gradually forgot. Mu Sheng returned home and said, "I should withdraw. Forgetting the sweet wine shows the Prince no longer cares. If I stay, I may one day be arrested and executed." He feigned illness and stayed home.
His friends urged him to attend a banquet, saying, "How can you mind such a small oversight after the former Prince's kindness?"
Mu replied, "The Book of Changes says wise people notice subtle signs. These signs foretell good or ill fortune. A wise person acts without delay. The former Prince honored us to promote righteousness. His son neglects us because he has forgotten righteousness. How can one stay long with someone who forgets righteousness? This isn't about a simple courtesy." So he left.
His friends stayed. Twenty years later, the new Prince became tyrannical, lost territory, and plotted rebellion. His friends tried to advise him but were ignored, eventually leaving in disappointment.
Small signs reveal great truths. Knowing when to leave is not cowardice—it is wisdom.