Towards the end of the Spring and Autumn period, King Fuchai of Wu, having defeated the state of Yue, planned to invade the State of Qi to expand his territory. However, he was so preoccupied with celebrating his victory that he remained unaware of Yue's preparations for revenge.
One day, while walking in his garden, the king saw his prince approaching, soaking wet and carrying a bow and arrows. "What a mess, my son. What happened?" asked the king.
The prince replied, "I was playing in the backyard when I heard a sound from the bushes. I looked and found a cicada."
"But then I also saw," he continued, "a mantis stalking the cicada from behind, while an oriole, in turn, was about to pounce on the mantis."
"So I drew my bow and aimed at the oriole. But I failed to notice the pond behind me. 'Plop!' I fell into the water and came out looking like this."
The king laughed, amused by the mantis that was so intent on catching the cicada that it ignored the danger from the oriole.
But the prince said, "Father, a similar situation is unfolding. You are only thinking of invading Qi without minding the threat from Yue." The king was displeased and sent the prince away. Yet, the prince was correct. Soon after, Yue struck back and defeated Wu. The mantis is likened to those who pursue immediate gains without considering the hidden dangers.