English Original
In ancient times, a man from the State of Song found a stone in Linzi. After examining it repeatedly, he believed it to be a priceless treasure. He hurried home, wrapped it in dozens of layers of silk, and placed it inside a leather box. Still uneasy, he then nested this box within dozens of other boxes.
A treasure appraiser, hearing of this, promptly visited the man and requested to see the treasure.
To be prudent, the man from Song bathed, burned incense, cleansed his mind, calmed his mood, and engaged in self-cultivation for seven days. Then, dressed in ceremonial robes, he respectfully brought out the box and carefully extracted the stone.
Upon seeing it, the appraiser nearly burst into laughter but quickly covered his mouth. He leaned close and whispered, "This is merely a stone, as worthless as a tile."
The man from Song, thinking the appraiser was envious and trying to cheat him, was much displeased. He said, "Merchants always belittle others' wares, and doctors exaggerate patients' illnesses—all to make more money. I will not be fooled!"
Thereafter, he treasured the stone even more, keeping it in a very secure place.
中文翻译
古代，宋国有个人在临淄拾到一块石头。他反复查看，认为这是一件无价之宝，急忙拿回家，用几十层丝绢包裹起来，放进一个皮匣子里。但他仍不放心，又将这个匣子套进几十个其他匣子里。
一位识宝的人听闻此事，立刻登门请求一睹宝物真容。
为了慎重起见，这个宋国人熏香沐浴，清心静气，修养了七天。然后，他穿上大礼服，恭敬地请出匣子，小心翼翼地将石头取出。
识宝人一看，差点笑出声来，连忙捂住嘴。他贴近对方耳朵轻声说：“这只是一块石头，跟瓦片一样不值钱。”
宋国人认为识宝人是出于嫉妒想骗他，心里很不高兴。他说：“商人总说别人的货物不好，医生总说病人的病很重——都是为了多赚钱。我可不上当！”
从此，他反而更加珍爱这块石头，将它保管得严严实实。