During the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC), the State of Yue had two renowned senior officials: Fan Li and Wen Zhong. King Gou Jian of Yue initially ignored Fan Li's advice and launched a reckless attack on the neighboring State of Wu, suffering a disastrous defeat. He was captured and enslaved by the King of Wu.
Fan Li persuaded Gou Jian to endure humiliation, feign surrender, and bide his time for revenge. Wen Zhong later undertook diplomatic missions to Wu, helping to restore Gou Jian's standing. Years later, Gou Jian was released. With the crucial assistance of Fan Li and Wen Zhong, the State of Yue rapidly rehabilitated its strength and eventually annexed Wu.
For their immense contributions, both men were lavishly rewarded. Gou Jian even offered Fan Li half his kingdom. However, Fan Li, knowing the king's nature all too well, declined and chose to live in seclusion. From his retreat, Fan Li wrote to Wen Zhong, warning: "When all the birds are shot, the good bow is stored away; when all the hares are caught, the hounds are killed for food. I advise you to withdraw to avoid disaster."
Wen Zhong heeded the advice and pretended to be ill, ceasing his court attendance. But it was too late. King Gou Jian, influenced by slanderous gossip about Wen Zhong, ordered him to commit suicide. This story gave rise to the idiom meaning that trusted aides are eliminated once they are no longer useful.