“The Ivory Couch” offers one solution to the problem of balancing loyalty and self-interest. The story centers on the cleverness of Kung-sun Shu, one of Lord Mengchang’s retainers. When the government of Ch’u seeks to present Lord Mengchang with a priceless ivory couch in order to secure his services, Kung-sun Shu finds a way to use the occasion to demonstrate the soundness of his advice, to enhance the reputation of his master, and to make a handsome profit for himself. His balancing act earns Lord Mengchang’s praise, who further secures Kung-sun Shu’s loyalty by creating a lasting memorial to his retainer’s actions. As you read “The Ivory Couch,” think about the relationship between Lord Mengchang and Kung-sun Shu. What allows them to overcome potential conflicts between their individual interests and ambitions?

When Lord Mengchang first left Ch’i to seek his fortune among the states, he went to Ch’u where they wished to present him with a carved ivory couch. Teng-t’u of Ying was commissioned to present it but was loath to do so. He saw a retainer of Lord Mengchang, one Kung-sun Shu, to whom he said the following:

“I, Teng-t’u of Ying, have been ordered to present a couch of ivory worth a thousand in gold. Were it to be damaged by so much as a hair’s breadth I could sell my wife and children and not make good the loss. If your honor could arrange that I need not make this presentation, I would make a gift to you of a valuable sword belonging to my ancestor.”

“Then let it be thus,” replied Kung-sun Shu and he entered into audience with Lord Mengchang.

“Surely, my lord, it is not true that you will accept an ivory couch,” he said.

“But it is so,” replied Lord Mengchang.

“I beg you, my lord, do not accept it.”

“Why should I not?” asked Lord Mengchang.

“The reason all the smaller states seek to give you the seal of minister is that they have heard that my lord in Ch’i did make flourish that which was in poor circumstance, and that my lord has the power to sustain that which was perishing and carry on that which seemed about to cease. The high-principled knights of every small state are anxious to lay their countries’ burdens upon my lord. They are truly gratified by his justice and admire his integrity.”

“If now,” continued Kung-sun Shu, “upon his arrival in Ch’u, my lord accepts this priceless couch, what then is there left for the countries not yet visited to present him with on his arrival? Again, I beg my lord not to accept it.”

“So be it then,” answered Lord Mengchang.

Kung-sun Shu hurried off; but before he had passed through the door to the inner rooms his lord called him back.

“You have instructed me not to receive the couch of ivory, and this was proper,” said Lord Mengchang. “But why do you now depart with such high steps and high spirits?”

“Your servant feels three great pleasures, my lord, and could receive a sword besides,” replied Kung-sun Shu.

“What does that mean?”

“My lord has over a hundred retainers, but of them all only l have dared to remonstrate. This is my first pleasure. Having spoken, I secured your assent. This is my second pleasure. By speaking l have prevented an error. This is my third pleasure. Further, Teng-t’u of Ying, who was to have presented the couch, felt so disinclined that he was willing to present me with his heirloom sword if he could avoid doing so.“

“Excellent!” cried Lord Mengchang. “Have you accepted the sword?”

“I have not dared.”

“Accept it immediately!” ordered Lord Mengchang. And subsequently he had the following words written over his gate:

“Let him who can add luster to my name or prevent my error, while profiting himself besides, enter here in all haste!”

Source: J. I. Crump, Legends of the Warring States: Persuasions, Romances, and Stories from Chan-kuo Ts’e, vol. 83, Michigan Monographs in Chinese Studies (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 1998), pp. 155–156. Used by permission.

Questions to Consider