Emperor Taizong of Tang, also known as Li Shimin (A.D. 599-649), was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649. Li Shimin was an excellent emperor. He created the golden age of the Tang Dynasty, a grand era when nations worldwide came to pay their respects. This epoch is known as the “Reign of Zhenguan.” The policies he implemented, the decisions he made, and how he managed the empire — coupled with the prosperity he brought about — set a high standard that is often considered a model for future generations. Therefore, Tang Taizong has been called one of the greatest, if not the greatest, emperors in all of Chinese history.
In the Old Book of Tang, there is a remarkable account of Emperor Taizong’s compassion. It tells of how 390 condemned prisoners were released to celebrate the Lunar New Year at home. Remarkably, none took advantage of the situation to try to escape, and all returned to accept their fate, a gesture that deeply moved Emperor Taizong.
A benevolent emperor’s unique order
On the fourth day of the ninth month, the bustling streets of the capital city Chang’an were congested with people from all directions. All eyes were fixed on the gate of the Grand Court of Judicial Review. The day held a mystery about to be revealed — the result of a pledge made nine months earlier by Emperor Taizong to 390 death row prisoners. Would these convicts, free from their cages, honor their agreement and return willingly to face their execution?
Emperor Taizong had always disfavored severe punishments and instead sought leniency whenever possible. He meticulously reviewed death penalty cases because, being the most severe form of punishment, it involved human lives. The review process required a three-time submission for approval to ensure the innocence of the accused and avoid unjust executions. Emperor Taizong later deemed the three-time submission insufficient and increased it to five.
The 390 prisoners held in the imperial prison had undergone rigorous reviews, and each of them was undoubtedly guilty of grave crimes. Despite this, Emperor Taizong chose an empathetic approach and decided to grant these individuals the ultimate consolation. He believed that even those sentenced to death deserved compassion.
Through personal inquiries, all prisoners admitted their guilt, but they expressed a strong desire to see their parents and wives one last time. Taizong contemplated this risky proposal before making a stunning announcement: The prisoners could return home and spend their last days with their loved ones, but they had to agree to return to prison willingly on the fourth day of the ninth month of the next year.
Unwavering faith despite the risks
A high-ranking government official, Dai Zhou, felt compelled to step forward and express his concerns. He warned the Emperor: “Your Majesty, we must remember that these individuals are criminals of the worst kind — murderers and thieves. If they choose not to return when the time comes, how will you justify this decision? I urge you to consider all implications before proceeding.”
However, Emperor Taizong remained unwavering. His expression was resolute as he declared: “I will not let them down, and they will not let me down.”
An astonishing return of condemned prisoners
Doubts and speculations filled the air, as this was a bet against death. But astonishingly, one by one, the prisoners began to return on the agreed day. When the tally reached 389, only one was missing: a convict named Xu Fulin. As the appointed time to return slowly passed by, both officials and fellow prisoners first became anxious and then infuriated. Their concerns, however, were not for their impending execution, but for the breach of agreement by their fellow convict.
All eyes then turned to Emperor Taizong, the calm and composed 35-year-old ruler, who patiently ordered everyone to wait a little longer. Just when hope seemed to fade, the creaking sound of cartwheels echoed from afar. A carriage slowly made its way into view, and a frail, pale face peered out from the carriage’s canopy — it was Xu Fulin. He had fallen ill on the way back and had hired a cart, which led him to arrive an hour later than the appointed time.
A historical pardon
A gratified smile appeared on Taizong’s face. The prisoners received the highest reward for keeping their word and all 390 were pardoned. No one opposed the decision, as retribution had never been the objective.
The occurrence of this extraordinary event can be attributed to two crucial factors: the high moral standards prevalent in Tang society, which placed utmost importance on trust, and the immense compassion of Emperor Taizong. His mercy touched the prisoners deeply, inspiring them to honor their agreement and live up to the trust placed in them by their benevolent ruler.
Translated by Patty Zhang
