Ji Zi of the Shang Dynasty was a devoted seeker of Taoism. He traveled far and wide with a heavy purse, hoping to find a true master. Whenever he saw someone wearing a yellow cap, he would kneel and beg for teachings, mistaking them for a Taoist priest.
One day, a cunning swindler, eyeing Ji Zi's money, deceitfully claimed, "I am a Taoist priest with the true doctrine. Follow me, and I will teach you."
Believing him completely, Ji Zi followed the man faithfully. The swindler waited for a chance to steal the purse, while Ji Zi persistently asked for instruction.
Eventually, they reached a riverbank. Seeing a moored boat, the swindler hatched a plan. "The Tao is right here!" he declared.
"Where?" Ji Zi asked eagerly.
"At the very top of that mast," the swindler replied. "Climb up, and you will grasp it."
Ji Zi placed his purse at the base of the mast and hurriedly began to climb. The swindler clapped and shouted from below, "Up! Higher!"
When Ji Zi reached the top and could climb no further, he suddenly had an epiphany. Clutching the mast, he cried out joyfully, "I've found the Tao! I've learned it!"
Seizing the opportunity, the swindler snatched the purse and fled.
After climbing down, Ji Zi continued his joyful cries. Bystanders exclaimed, "Fool! He was a swindler who stole your money!"
Ji Zi replied, "He is my master! This too is his teaching!"