Once, the state of Jin was plagued by a prevalence of thieves, which greatly troubled its Marquis.
He was overjoyed to learn of a man named Zheng Yong, who could identify thieves simply by observing their appearances. The Marquis was confident that this would soon eradicate theft from his land.
However, Zhao Wenzi warned that this method could not exterminate theft. Before long, the thieves banded together and killed Zheng Yong. Zhao Wenzi then advised the Marquis, "If Your Majesty truly wishes to end theft, you must select virtuous and talented individuals and entrust them with important posts. When everyone in court is well-bred and governance is clean and just, the populace will be influenced, fostering good social customs. Once people develop a sense of honor, there will be no thieves at all."