During the Warring States period, the State of Zhao was home to two famous ministers: Lian Po, a brave and battle-hardened general, and Lin Xiangru, a brilliant strategist and skilled diplomat.

After earning great merit through such achievements as returning the precious jade to Zhao and playing a key role in the Meeting at Mianchi, Lin Xiangru was appointed Senior Minister by the King of Zhao.

To Lian Po's great displeasure, Lin was given a higher rank than the highly decorated general.

He believed that he had risked his life on countless battlefields and earned his position through military achievements, while Lin Xiangru had risen to prominence mainly through his eloquence and diplomatic skills.

When Lin Xiangru learned of Lian Po's resentment, he chose to avoid confrontation for the sake of Zhao's greater interests.

Whenever he encountered Lian Po, he would deliberately keep his distance.

On one occasion, when the two men met on the road, Lin even ordered his carriage to take another route.

Lin's retainers were puzzled by his behavior and thought he was being overly timid.

But Lin Xiangru explained, "I was not even afraid of the King of Qin. Why should I be afraid of General Lian Po?

The reason I avoid him is that both of us are important ministers of Zhao.