There was a man in the State of Song who was fond of currying favor.
One day, he obtained a piece of uncarved jade and presented it to Zi Han, a minister of Song, hoping to ingratiate himself.
Zi Han adamantly refused the gift.
Undeterred, the man spoke in honeyed words: "This is a rare piece of jade, a treasure fit for a gentleman's ornament or tableware. It would be most suitable in the hands of a venerable man like yourself. I am but a coarse fellow, unworthy of such a valuable treasure."
"You may regard this jade as a treasure," replied Zi Han. "However, I do not accept fawning flattery, nor do I consider such conduct a treasure."
Feeling thoroughly snubbed, the man from Song sneaked away.