English Original
There is a story in Hanshu about a rich man who was an avid collector of antiques. Among his collection was a rare jade vase of exquisite workmanship and great historical value, which he treasured dearly.
One night, he noticed a mouse near the precious vase. The rodent jumped into the vase, trying to eat some food carelessly left inside. The sight infuriated the man. In a fit of rage, he threw a stone at the mouse. The mouse was killed, but the precious vase was also shattered.
The loss of the vase pained the man greatly. He deeply regretted his own thoughtlessness, which had brought him this irrecoverable loss. He realized that anyone who acts on immediate impulse without considering the consequences is apt to bring disaster upon themselves. So he exclaimed to warn others: "Do not burn your house to get rid of a mouse."
中文翻译
《汉书》中记载了一个故事：一位富人酷爱收藏古董。他的藏品中有一件稀有的玉盂，工艺精湛，具有极高的历史价值，他对此珍爱有加。
一天晚上，他看见一只老鼠靠近这个珍贵的玉盂。老鼠跳进盂中，试图偷吃里面不小心留下的食物。此情此景令富人大为光火。盛怒之下，他捡起一块石头砸向老鼠。老鼠固然被砸死了，但那珍贵的玉盂也被击碎了。
玉盂的损毁让富人痛心不已。他深深懊悔自己的鲁莽行事带来了这无法挽回的损失。他认识到，任何只图一时之快而不计后果的人，都容易给自己招致灾祸。因此，他发出警告以告诫他人：“投鼠忌器。”（不要为了除掉一只老鼠而烧毁自己的房子。）