Long ago, a farmer needed much water for his farm, so he bought a well (井) from his friend. However, the friend was not friendly. The next day, when the farmer came todraw water from his well, the friend didn't let him take any.

When the farmer asked why, the friend said, "I sold you the well, not the water." Feeling sad, the farmer went to the king to ask for help.

The king called on the friend and questioned him, "Why don't you let the farmer take water from the well? You sold the well to the farmer, didn't you?"

The friend said, "Yes, I did sell the well to the farmer but not the water inside it. He has no right to draw water from the well."

The king said, "Look, as you sold the well, you have no right (权利) to keep the water in the farmer's well. You must pay rent (租金) to the farmer, or you should take it out at once." Seeing that his plan didn't work, the friend gave up and went home.