The Tangerine Vendor
故事全文
There was a fruit vendor in Hangzhou, who knew how to store tangerines well. After buying his tangerines, customers found that they did not spoil even after a year, and still looked very fresh. Therefore, though his tangerines were ten times as expensive as normal tangerines, people still flocked to buy his tangerines.
I bought a tangerine from him too. But as soon as I peeled it, I smelled something strange. On the inside, the pulp was as dry as a rag. I asked him, “Can this tangerine be eaten? You are cheating people based on appearances! ”
The vendor replied, “I have been selling tangerines for many years. You are the only one who has an issue with my tangerines, and calls me a cheat. But have you ever thought about the current generals and ministers? They may seem impressive on the outside, but in reality, are they truly capable of serving the country? Instead of accusing them of cheating people, you are here complaining about my tangerines! Does that make any sense? ”
I did not know what to say. Perhaps he was using his tangerines to express his dissatisfaction with the country.
