Merchant Li Yuanwai faced business difficulties due to war and chaos. As the year-end approached, he needed to pay his workers but discovered he didn't have enough money.

So Li Yuanwai instructed his steward to spread word that he would lay off many people at year-end. The announcement caused panic among everyone, as they all worried about being dismissed.

Three days later, Li Yuanwai had his steward announce that despite the difficult year, he was unwilling to abandon his workers who had shared hardships with him. He would not let anyone go at year-end, but wages would be reduced by ten taels of silver.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. A few days later, Li Yuanwai called all his workers together and told them: I have borrowed some additional money from the money lender. Now each of you only needs to take a five tael reduction in pay.

Upon hearing this, all the workers were delighted and rushed to praise Li Yuanwai.