The State Yan in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC), bordered Shan Rong, a horde sovereignty in the north.
One year, Shan Rong declared a war against the State Yan, which asked for help from the State Qi, a then power nation. King Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong, a famous reformer and militarist in the Spring and Autumn Period, led the army to rescue the State Yan.
The war started in spring, and lasted almost one year. Finally, they defeated Shan Rong, and ran after into the State Guzhu. At that time, it was already winter. The Qi army were not familiar with the terrain in the State Guzhu. One day, the army entered into a valley surrounded by stiff mountains, and lost the way before they realized it.
King Huan of Qi was very anxious, and sent a few squads to look for the way out. However, how could they find the way out in face of the high mountains? The Qi army wandered in the valley once and again, but couldn’t find the way out. If they couldn’t go out, the confidence of the soldiers would be shaken, and even worse, and the army was likely to be raided by the enemy. King Huan of Qi was as anxious as a cat on hot bricks, but couldn’t work out an idea.
Suddenly, Guan Zhong said to King Huan of Qi, “An old horse may know the way. We can select a few old horses, and let them walk ahead. Let’s try whether we can get out of here.”
King Huan of Qi was very glad, “A great idea! Just do it!”
Guan Zhong chose a couple of old horses, unleashed them and made them walk ahead. The old horses looked around, and then walked along the hillside after they were free.
The army followed the old horses, and finally
walked out of the valley!
This story comes from HanFeizi:A Collection of Stories (Volume One),and now, this proverb is often used to compare those people who are familiar with the things and may act as the guide in work.
