Bian Que visited Duke Huan of Cai. After standing before him for a moment, Bian Que said, “Your Grace has an ailment in the pores of your skin. If left untreated, it may deepen.” Duke Huan replied, “I have no ailment.” After Bian Que left, Duke Huan remarked, “Doctors love treating people who aren’t sick to take credit for it!”
Ten days later, Bian Que visited again and said, “Your Grace’s ailment has reached the flesh. If left untreated, it will worsen.” Duke Huan ignored him. After Bian Que left, Duke Huan was displeased once more.
Another ten days passed, and Bian Que visited again, saying, “Your Grace’s ailment has reached the stomach and intestines. If left untreated, it will worsen further.” Duke Huan ignored him again. Bian Que left, and Duke Huan was once again displeased.
After yet another ten days, Bian Que saw Duke Huan from a distance and immediately turned and fled. Duke Huan sent someone to ask why. Bian Que explained: “When the ailment is in the pores, a hot compress can reach it; when in the flesh, acupuncture can treat it; when in the stomach and intestines, herbal tonics can cure it. But when it reaches the bone marrow — that is the domain of the God of Destiny, and there is nothing I can do. Now the ailment is in the bone marrow, which is why I did not ask to see him.”
Five days later, Duke Huan’s body was wracked with pain. He sent for Bian Que, but Bian Que had already fled to the State of Qin. Duke Huan died shortly thereafter.
— This is an English translation of a classical Chinese fable by Han Feizi. The story famously illustrates the Chinese idiom “讳疾忌医” (hiding one’s illness for fear of treatment), warning against refusing to face problems until it is too late.