During the Tang Dynasty, Wei Xian was appointed the Governor and Inspector of Runzhou and the Chief Censor of Jiangdong Circuit. Considering himself to be of a prestigious and well-known noble family, he began searching for a suitable son-in-law for his daughter. However, after observing several prominent candidates, he found them unsuitable and without integrity, and the matter of his son-in-law remained unresolved.
On the day of the Lunar New Year, Wei, accompanied by his wife and children, ascended a city tower to admire the magnificent scenery in the distance. While looking around, Wei chanced upon a group of people gathering in a distant garden who seemed to be burying something in the ground. Intrigued, he called for a subordinate and pointed to the park, instructing him to investigate the situation. After some time, the attendant returned and reported that the place belonged to Pei Kuan, an official in Runzhou. His curiosity was piqued, so Wei summoned Pei Kuan to visit him.
A son-in-law with integrity and rectitude is found
Upon meeting Pei Kuan, Wei immediately inquired about the activities in the garden. Pei Kuan replied: “I constantly remind myself not to accept bribes and compromise my family’s moral principles. Today, someone brought a deer to me as a gift and left without any further intentions. I couldn’t deceive myself, so I worked with my household servants to bury the deer in the garden behind my residence, thus remaining true to the principles I have set for myself. I didn’t expect that the governor would witness all of this.”
Understanding the situation, Wei set aside his initial attitude. Not only was Pei Kuan highly knowledgeable in various strategies, as well as proficient in horsemanship, archery, and chess, but now Wei also recognized his uprightness and integrity. He said to him: “I have a daughter, and I would like to betroth her to you.” After expressing his gratitude, Pei Kuan left.
Later, Wei told his wife: “I have finally found a good son-in-law for our daughter!” Curious, his wife asked who the person was, and Wei replied: “It is the man I saw burying something in the garden from the city tower.”
A harmonious and blissful marriage
The next day, Wei invited Pei Kuan to his home. As he arrived, the entire Wei family secretly observed from behind a curtain. Pei Kuan wore loose robes of azure silk that day, appearing tall and slender. As soon as he entered their house, the Wei family found Pei Kuan’s appearance laughable as he resembled nothing so much as a stork. Devastated, Wei’s wife shed tears alone behind the curtain, seemingly unable to accept him as her daughter’s partner.
After Pei Kuan left, Wei told his wife: “To care for our daughter, we should find her a husband who possesses both virtue and talent. Should we choose a handsome but subservient man instead?” Eventually, the marriage between Pei Kuan and Wei’s daughter was successfully arranged, and they were joined in matrimony.
As the years went by, Pei Kuan and his wife, Lady Wei, spent their lives together in harmony, growing old as a couple and enjoying a happy and long life. Devoted to Buddhism, he frequently recited scriptures and engaged in religious rituals, maintaining close ties with Buddhist monks. Upholding his integrity, he remained clean in his political affairs and never associated himself with the powerful and influential. Pei Kuan lived a long life and passed away at the age of 75. Throughout his life, he was beloved by the people wherever he went, resulting in a fulfilled and contented life.
Superficial beauty may captivate momentarily, but it is the inner qualities of integrity and virtue that truly enhance our lives. A partner with a strong moral character brings lasting impact and happiness, fostering a fulfilling life journey.
Translated by Joseph Wu
