One day, deities from various places came to pay homage to the Emperor of Heaven.
The emperor ordered his minister in charge of wine: "First, register the names of all deities, then bestow wine upon them."
The minister began inscribing the names on bamboo slips. After three thousand years, the registration was still incomplete.
The emperor inquired, "Why is the registration not yet finished?"
The minister reported, "All the deities have brought their sedan-chair carriers."
"Then register the carriers as well," ordered the emperor.
Another seven thousand years passed, and the task remained unfinished.
Upon the emperor's next inquiry, the minister had no choice but to explain, "The sedan-chair carriers have also brought their own carriers."
Thus, the wine was never bestowed.
The Emperor of Heaven remained silent for a long time and then heaved a deep sigh.