On his first diplomatic mission to the north, Ji paid a visit to the State of Xu. The Lord of Xu admired Ji's …
On his first diplomatic mission to the north, Ji paid a visit to the State of Xu. The Lord of Xu admired Ji's treasured blade, though he kept his desire hidden. Ji sensed his unspoken wish, but, with his mission unfinished, he held back from presenting the sword.
On his return, Ji learned the Lord had passed away. So he hung the blade upon a tree by the Lord's grave before taking his leave. As Ji explained, he did so because he had made a promise in his heart to gift it to the Lord and he would not break his word simply because the Lord had gone.