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The
ointment for chapped hands
A family in the state of Sung made an
excellent ointment for chapped hands ; so for generations
they engaged in laundering. A man who heard of this offered
a hundred pieces of gold for their recipe.
We
have been in the laundry trade for generations, said this
family as they discussed the matter. But we never made more
than a few pieces of gold. Today we can sell our recipe for
a hundred pieces. By all means let us sell it.
Now
the state of Yueh was invading the state of Wu, and having
bought the recipe this man presented it to the Prince of Wu,
who thereupon made him a general. His troops fought a naval
action with those of Yueh that winter, and completely routed
the enemy. Then the prince made him a noble, rewarding him
with a fief.
Thus
the same ointment for chaps could win a fief or simply aid
laundrymen.
All
depends upon the use to which things are put.
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routed |
If an army, sports team, or other
group routs its opponents, it defeats them
completely and easily ..... |
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