During the Warring States Period (5th century B.C. – 221 B.C.), the country of Zhao was about to attack the country of Yan. Su Dai, a representative for the king of Yan, spoke to King Hui of Zhao. He told King Hui the following story:
On my way here today, as I crossed the Yi River, I spotted an oyster with its shell open basking in the sun. Suddenly, a snipe flew down to peck out the oyster’s flesh from the shell. The oyster immediately closed up her shell, and clamped onto the snipe's beak.
If it doesn't rain today, and it doesn't rain tomorrow,” said the snipe, “I shall see a dead oyster on the beach.”
If I don't open today, and I don't open up tomorrow,” retorted the oyster, “I, too, shall see a dead snipe on the beach.”
While they were grappling with each other, a fisherman passed by and netted them both.
Su Dai then said, “Today, Zhao is on the verge of attacking Yan. If the war drags on for a long time, people in both countries will die. I am afraid that the fisherman in this case will be the powerful Qin. For this reason, I hope that your highness will give the matter your comprehensive consideration.”
King Hui said, “Well, what you say makes sense—I accept your argument.” He then called off the attack so his people would not be vulnerable to invasion by the Qin.
