Walk rather than ride
安步当车
ānbùdàngchē

It literally means "stroll over instead of riding in a carriage".

This story is about the difference between a King and a scholar and how these positions affect both their roles.

The Story:
This story takes place during the Warring States Period, when King Xuan of Qi sent for the scholar Yan Chu. Yan Chu was sent for because of his talents and the King wanted to make him an officer. The King considered Yan Chu merely a scholar without any political power, so in contempt, the King said, "Chu, come here"! Yan Chu replied and said, "King, come here"! Knowing the King of Qi was angry, Yan Chu replied this way because he is the King and that's why he asked him to come over. Otherwise, Yan Chu the scholar would be thought to admire the person only of power and influence. If the King came, then the people will know he is courteous to those who are lowly and humble. Hearing that, the King exploded with rage and asked, "who is more respectable, a scholar or a King"? Being well prepared for the question, Yan Chu told a story...A long time ago, when the State of Qi was under attack by the State of Qin, in order to protect the grave of a scholar Liu Xiaji, the King of Qin ordered any troops who were fifty steps from the grave would be beheaded. After the troops entered the State of Qi, the King issued another order that whoever handed in the head of the King of Qi would be awarded the title of a Duke and a large amount of gold. In this story, the head of a living King is not as treasurable as the grave of a scholar. After this story, Yan Chu was more respected by the King and the King offered him wealth and riches beyond his dreams. Yan Chu replied that he did not need these things because he believes, jade originates from the mountains, though they remain precious, jade will lose their original appearance after they are refined. A scholar from a remote and poor country will be still respectable when he is well paid after he has been put in an official position. However his thinking and behavior will change. Yan Chu rather not. Although there will be no meat on the table when I get home, I can postpone meal time until I am hungry so the dishes will taste as delicious as meat. Without carriage I can stroll leisurely, which is just as comfortable as riding a carriage.