During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), a high official of the State of Jin witnessed a farmer's wife bringing him lunch with great respect. Intrigued, he brought the farmer to the court and advised the King of Jin: "Respect is a demonstration of virtue. A respectful person must be virtuous. We should educate our people with virtue."
The King questioned, "His father was guilty. Is it wise to employ him?" The official replied, "Guan Zhong was once an enemy of Duke Huan of Qi, yet the duke appointed him prime minister and accomplished his hegemony. The sage-king Shun exiled Gun but promoted his son Yu. You should make use of his strengths." Duke Wen of Jin finally accepted the advice and appointed the farmer to an important position.
Later, this story gave rise to the idiom "相敬如宾," which describes a couple treating each other with the respect accorded to guests.