One day, Duke Huan of Qi inspected the royal stables. He asked the stable master, "What is the most difficult task in managing a stable?"
Before the official could reply, Prime Minister Guan Zhong interjected, "Having once tended horses myself, I know the answer well. Building the fence is the hardest part. If you start with a bent timber, then every subsequent piece must also be bent. Any straight timber left over becomes useless. Conversely, if you begin with a straight timber, all that follow must be straight as well. Even if you run short of straight wood, you cannot substitute a bent piece."