Diao Bo frequently spoke ill of Tian Dan, calling him a "mean man." When Tian Dan heard of this, he deliberately prepared a banquet and invited Diao Bo, asking, "How have I, Tian Dan, offended you, sir, that you should so honor me in the court time and again?" Diao Bo replied, "The dog of Robber Zhi barked at Emperor Yao—not because Robber Zhi was noble and Yao base, but because a dog naturally bites those who are not its master. Moreover, if Gongsun Zi were worthy and Xu Zi unworthy, yet the two were set to fight, Xu Zi's dog would still leap to bite Gongsun Zi's calf. If it could leave its unworthy master and become the dog of a worthy man, would it stop at biting the calf? It would leap for the throat!" Tian Dan said, "I shall respectfully remember your instruction." The next day, Tian Dan recommended Diao Bo to the King of Qi.
The King of Qi had nine favored ministers who wished to frame Tian Dan. Together they said to the King, "When Yan attacked Qi, the King of Chu sent a general with ten thousand men to aid Qi. Now that the state is at peace and the altars of soil and grain are secure, why not send an envoy to thank the King of Chu?" The King asked, "Who can be sent?" The nine said, "Diao Bo is suitable." Diao Bo was dispatched to Chu, where the King of Chu feasted him for days, and he did not return. The nine then said to the King, "Is it not because Diao Bo alone has been detained by Chu that he relies on Tian Dan's power? Moreover, between Tian Dan and Your Majesty, there is no propriety between ruler and minister, no distinction between superior and inferior. He harbors unruly intentions—within, he pacifies the people, wins their hearts, relieves the poor, and spreads kindness abroad; without, he courts the Rong and Di barbarians and the worthy men of the realm, secretly forging ties with feudal lords and heroes. His ambition is no small matter—please, Your Majesty, look into this closely."
After several days, the King of Qi summoned Tian Dan. Tian Dan removed his cap, bared his feet, and stripped to the waist. Entering the hall, he begged forgiveness. Five days later, the King said, "You have committed no offense against me. You have done your duty to your lord and shown loyalty as a minister. You have not wronged me—you are innocent." The next day, the King asked Diao Bo, "What sort of man is Tian Dan?" Diao Bo said, "As I observe his conduct, within, he does not tend to his own household but worries for the state; without, he does not favor his own friends but upholds public righteousness. Toward his lord, he does not flatter but exhausts his loyalty; toward the people, he does not nitpick but bestows generous kindness. These four qualities I have seen clearly. Moreover, between the Lord of Anping and Your Majesty, there is no duplicity between ruler and minister, and there is proper distinction between superior and inferior. Now, if Your Majesty can employ the Lord of Anping in a high position, the state will surely be secure and the people harmonious. If Your Majesty cannot employ him, I beg to kill him on Your Majesty's behalf." The King said, "Well spoken." Thereupon he enfeoffed Tian Dan with the fief of Yeyi, ten thousand households.
💡 商战启示录
Diao Bo's journey—from speaking ill of Tian Dan to being recommended by him, and ultimately defending him at a critical moment—demonstrates the supreme wisdom of "turning adversaries into allies." When faced with slander, Tian Dan did not seek revenge. Instead, he dissolved the tension with a banquet, extended goodwill of his own accord, and transformed a potential enemy into a steadfast ally—a vivid embodiment of the "co-opetition" mindset in modern business. In the arena of commercial rivalry, rather than clashing head-on with competitors, it is often wiser to convert them into partners through dialogue, mutual benefit, or sincere collaboration. Consider Apple and Samsung: mortal rivals in the smartphone market, yet Samsung supplies Apple with core chips and displays, and the two engage in deep cooperation amid competition, achieving win-win outcomes. Tian Dan's act of "entrusting Diao Bo to the king" placed talent in a pivotal position; Diao Bo's later staunch defense of Tian Dan before the King of Qi was the very dividend of this strategy of turning foes into friends. Modern managers should learn to discern the value hidden within hostile words, take the initiative to resolve conflicts, and win hearts through magnanimity and vision—so that former critics become loyal advocates of the brand. At the same time, Diao Bo's adage that "a dog barks at those who are not its master" reminds us that much of the aggression in business is not personal, but positional. Understanding the other party's standpoint and seeking common ground is the key to forging enduring commercial relationships.