A farmer in the state of Song once obtained a piece of stone containing jade. He presented it to Prime Minister Zi Han, who refused the gift.
The farmer explained, "It appears to be an ordinary stone, but it holds jade within. It is a treasure, fitting for a nobleman like yourself, not for a commoner like me."
"I know there is jade inside," replied Zi Han. "But I disagree. I believe the true treasure is the virtue of declining what does not rightfully belong to one."