Merchant Li, caught in the chaos of war, suffered a business downturn. As the year drew to a close and he needed to pay his employees, he found himself short of funds. So, Li instructed his steward to spread a message that many people would be laid off at the end of the year. This news caused widespread panic; everyone feared being laid off. Three days later, Li had his steward announce that although the year had been difficult, he didn't want to abandon his loyal employees who had shared his hardships, and therefore, no one would be laid off at the end of the year, but wages would be reduced by ten taels of silver. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. A few days later, Li summoned all the employees and told them that he had borrowed more money from the bank, and now each person would only need to pay five taels less. Upon hearing this, the employees were overjoyed and praised Li.