During the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Chu had a remarkably talented official named Wu Ju.

He was a close friend of Sheng Zi, an official from the State of Cai.

Sheng Zi greatly admired Wu Ju's abilities, and the two had a deep and lasting friendship.

Later, Wu Ju's father-in-law committed a crime in Chu. Fearing that he would be punished, he fled the state overnight.

Taking advantage of the situation, some people spread rumors that Wu Ju had secretly informed his father-in-law beforehand and helped him escape.

Worried that he would be implicated, Wu Ju was forced to leave Chu and seek refuge in the neighboring State of Zheng.

At that time, Sheng Zi was traveling to the State of Jin on a diplomatic mission.

While passing through Zheng, he happened to meet Wu Ju outside the city gates.

After hearing Wu Ju explain what had happened, Sheng Zi was deeply saddened that his friend had been falsely accused.

He advised Wu Ju to go to Jin temporarily for safety and wait for a better opportunity to clear his name.