Chunyu Kun was a wise, humorous, and eloquent minister in the state of Qi during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). He skillfully advised the king and served as a successful envoy to other states.
In 349 BC, when the State of Chu attacked Qi, King Qi sent Chunyu Kun to Zhao with valuable gifts to seek help. The king of Zhao gladly accepted and dispatched a hundred thousand troops, forcing Chu to withdraw immediately.
To celebrate, King Qi held a banquet. Knowing the king's bad habit of excessive drinking, Chunyu Kun saw an opportunity to advise him. When the king asked how much wine Chunyu Kun could drink before getting drunk, he replied, "I get drunk after ten litres or a hundred."
Puzzled, the king questioned how he could drink ninety more litres if ten made him drunk. Chunyu Kun explained that the amount varied depending on the circumstances. He said, "It occurs to me that when you drink to your limit, you lose your senses. Once joy reaches its height, sorrow follows. This is the rule for everything. Exceeding the limits in any endeavor leads to the opposite outcome."
Realizing the admonition, King Qi replied, "You are right. I will take your advice." From then on, the king gave up his habit of all-night drinking and revelry.