During the Warring States Period, the king of Ch'i wasted away his days enjoying the pleasures of wine and women. His ministers realized that such intemperance left little time for government affairs, but were powerless to stop him.
The wise and resourceful Minister Ch'en knew that the king was fond of riddles. "Your Highness," he said, "in the imperial court lives a large bird that has neither flown nor sung for years. Do you know what bird it is?"
Ch'en's circuitous method awakened the king to his weakness. So the king said, "The bird is capable of flying high into the sky and astounding all with a single song." After that the state of Ch'i prospered almost overnight under the king's sudden outstanding and dedicated administration.
Later, an unknown person suddenly exhibiting remarkable ability came to be called "One Song Astounds All".
(Jill Ardourel)