In ancient times, a merchant from the State of Chu traveled to the State of Zheng to sell a precious pearl.
First, he crafted an exquisite casket from rare magnolia wood. He then perfumed it with osmanthus and prickly ash. The casket was further adorned with inlays of emerald-green jadeite and attractive rosy jade, making it exceptionally beautiful.
A man from Zheng saw the casket and was captivated by it. He paid a high price for the casket but returned the pearl inside to the Chu merchant.
People later ridiculed the Chu merchant, saying he was skilled at selling caskets but not pearls.
This story illustrates that excessive focus on external form can overshadow the essential value, leading to the opposite of the intended result.