In the Warring States period, the state of Wu had invaded the state of Yue, and carried off its duke Guo Jian as a prisoner with them.
Guo Jian was held for three years by the state of Wu until he was released back to his home. When he returned, he started planning his revenge.
For seven years he ruled with benevolence and generosity, making a reputation as a wise and virtuous ruler. Accordingly, he assembled his loyal forces on the eight year and attacked Wu, swiftly beating them.
The king of Wu had to flee, but hurt as he was, fleeing on foot and alone, it was only a matter of time before the forces of Yue would catch up to him. Fearing the worst after running all night, he quickly sent ambassadors to Guo Jian when the morning came, begging for mercy.
The ambassadors reminded the duke of how he had been treated as a prisoner of Wu. That even though he was under their grasp, the king of Wu eventually allowed him to return home unscathed. Our king now asks to be granted the same favor, the ambassadors said.
At these words Guo Jian's prime advisor, Fan Li, intervened. He said: "My lord, when heaven gave the duke of Wu the grand opportunity for gaining power he did not take advantage of it and so he is a fugitive today. Should you fail to accept what fortune has now given you, you may be driven from your state, and then all the years of hardships you have bourn will have been endured in vain."
Hearing this, Guo Jian agreed with Fan Li and sent back a message saying that he would not grant any mercy. When the king of Wu received the news from his ambassadors, it is said that he gave up all hope and committed suicide.
(adapted from a story told in the 36 Stratagems)
Who is the duke of Wu? We were only introduced to the duke of Yue & the king of Wu. And what opportunity did he forego? Is there a piece of the story missing or am I stupid?
Okay… but that’s a sunk cost. Does it really factor in?
Duke / King of Wu are the same person in the story.
King of Wu had an opportunity to kill king of Yue but instead chose to be merciful and it ended badly for him, now king of Yue has an opportunity to kill king of Wu so he should take it or else it he might repeat king of Wu fate.