In ancient times, Zou Ji, a tall and stately man who had served as Prime Minister of the State of Qi, looked into the mirror one morning. He asked his wife, "Who is more handsome, Xu Gong from the north of the city or I?"
"You are far more handsome," his wife replied. "Xu Gong is no match for you!"
Xu Gong was renowned for his looks. Skeptical, Zou Ji asked his concubine the same question. She also insisted, "Xu Gong is no match for you!"
The next day, a guest visited. Zou Ji posed the question again. The guest answered positively, "Xu Gong is not as handsome as you."
Later, Zou Ji met Xu Gong in person. He stared closely, comparing them carefully, and could not see how he was more handsome. Looking in the mirror again, he felt even more certain he was not as handsome as Xu Gong.
That night, Zou Ji pondered restlessly. Why had all three claimed he was more handsome? He finally understood: "My wife says so out of favoritism; my concubine out of fear; and my guest to curry favor."