《淮南子·道应训》
但经过大臣文种的劝说，以屈辱条件和吴国达成协议，勾践亲自为吴王作臣仆，妻子为吴王作奴仆；又亲自执戈为吴王牵马开道，经过这样多年的卧薪尝胆，终于在干遂将吴国打败，并擒获吴王夫差。
然而请身为臣，妻为妾，亲执戈为吴兵先马走，果禽之于干遂。
However, after being persuaded by his minister Wen Zhong, he made a humiliating compromise with the State of Wu, Goujian personally became a servant to the King of Wu, and his wife became a slave to the King of Wu. He also personally held a spear and led the way for the King of Wu on horseback. After years of biding his time and enduring hardship, he finally defeated the State of Wu with Gan Sui and captured King Fuchai of Wu.