Zhuangzi was sitting by the Pushui River, fishing leisurely.
King Wei of Chu sent two ministers to persuade him to accept the position of Prime Minister.
Zhuangzi asked, "I have heard that there is a sacred tortoise in your state, which has been dead for three thousand years. The king treats it as a national treasure and enshrines it in the ancestral temple. So, ministers, do you think this tortoise would rather be alive, dragging its tail in the mud, or enjoy the honor bestowed upon it after death?"
"We believe it would rather be alive," the ministers replied.
"Then you may leave now," said Zhuangzi. "I, too, prefer to live freely, dragging my tail in the mud."