In the late Spring and Autumn period (770-403 B.C.), Yanzi, a wise minister in the state of Qi, was admired for his love for the country and the people, as well as his frugality and self-discipline. When a heavy rainstorm hit the state of Qi, Yanzi risked his senior position to save the disaster victims, despite Duke Jing of Qi’s indifference. He opened his family’s granary, distributed food to the victims, and admonished Duke Jing to open the official storehouse and release food for the disaster.
Thanks to Yanzi’s efficient relief work, the people of Qi were able to survive the disaster in peace. This story of Yanzi’s selfless act of courage and compassion is an inspiring reminder of the power of love and kindness in times of crisis.
Yanzi, a wise Minister of Qi
In the late Spring and Autumn period (770-403 B.C.), there was a wise minister named Yan Ying (578-500 B.C.) in the state of Qi, who had been in charge of the government for more than 40 years and served in the three dynasties of Duke Ling of Qi, Duke Zhuang of Qi, and Duke Jing of Qi. He was generally honored by the people with the title “Yanzi”. Yanzi was known for his wit, but what really made him admired in history was not his wit, but his love for the country and the people, as well as his frugality and self-discipline.
A devastating rainstorm
In the third year of Duke Jing of Qi (545 B.C.), a heavy rainstorm hit the state of Qi, and it rained for 17 days. The crops, which were about to ripen, were flooded in a few moments. Many villages were flooded and people’s food and belongings were washed away. People fled to higher ground, bringing their children and old people with them. The state of Qi was flooded with water, but Duke Jing of Qi remained indifferent, drinking and enjoying himself, ignoring the government.
Yanzi’s plea for help
Anxious to see him, Yanzi urgently asked him to open the official storehouse and release food for the disaster. However, three times in a row, Duke Jing refused to see him because he was too busy drinking wine and watching songs and dances. One day, when Yanzi went to Duke Jing again to ask for disaster relief, he was still refused by the latter.
When he heard the sound of music and laughter coming from the residence of Duke Jing, Yanzi was furious and was about to leave, when he saw Bo Zhan, a court official, coming out of the residence, and hurriedly greeted him and inquired about the matter, only to find out that Bo Zhan was holding in his hand Duke of Jing’s order of recruiting singers and dancers in the countryside.
When Yanzi saw this, he said: “What a foolish ruler!” Then, he turned around and left.
Yanzi’s selfless act
When he returned home, Yanzi ordered his men to open his family’s granary and distribute food to the victims of the disaster. But Yanzi, who was usually honest and frugal, had limited savings at home and soon distributed all the food. Faced with the starving people, the worried Yanzi had to risk his life to admonish Duke Jing of Qi. He didn’t even want to use his carriage or horse, and rushed to enter the residence of Duke Jing on foot.
Yanzi’s brave stand
Facing Duke Jing, who was spending his time drinking and drinking, Yanzi exclaimed: “It has been seventeen days! The rain has drowned the crops and the floods have destroyed the houses. The people have been devastated and lack food and clothing. The autumn cold is approaching, and there is a lack of cold clothes and grain.
“The poor people have no one to turn to, and the whole state of Qi is in mourning. But you, as the king of the state, do not even care about it, and only care about drinking and having fun. In your palace, you feed your beauties with delicious food, and feed your animals with good grain and meat. As the prime minister of Qi, I have failed to help you to rule the country well, so I am really negligent of my duty and guilty.” After saying this, he took off his official hat and put it in front of Duke Jing. Then he saluted, and resigned.
Duke Jing’s change of heart
Duke Jing of Qi suddenly felt panic, and it took him a while to come back to his senses. Remembering that Yanzi was a veteran of three dynasties, had racked his brains over the state, and had done great service to the state, he got up quickly to retain him. However, Yanzi had already waved his sleeve and left. Duke Jing hurriedly called his horses and carts to chase Yanzi to his home. When he saw the haggard victims of the disaster receiving food and clothes, Duke Jing felt ashamed.
He found Yanzi in the back room and said sincerely: “I have sinned! The people need an official like you, but if you resign, it will be like I have lost my right hand. You are the only one who dares to speak the truth righteously; if you resign, I will be even more foolish!” Duke Jing of Qi finally said, almost pleading: “Please be compassionate to me.
For the sake of the people of the country, please go back with me! I am willing to take out the grain and property of the state and ask you to distribute them to the people who are suffering. It is up to you how to distribute it.” Yanzi, who was concerned about the suffering people, quickly followed Duke Jing back to his house to deal with the disaster.
Yanzi’s relief efforts
He ordered the officials to immediately go to the people to investigate and distribute relief grain for one month or longer, depending on the circumstances of the disaster. For those who had suffered heavy losses and had no savings, they were given firewood to help them survive the disaster. For those whose houses had collapsed, money was given to repair them.
As the lives of the people were at stake, Yanzi ordered all the officials to finish all these tasks within three days; otherwise, if they delayed the relief work, they would be severely punished for their crimes. Duke Jing of Qi also actively cooperated with Yanzi in the relief work. He reduced the amount of wine and meat in his palace, dismissed the dancers, simplified the meals, did not play palace music, and made some reforms that were in line with public opinion.
Three days later, all the officials finished the relief work according to the stipulated time and reported to Yanzi one by one. In this natural disaster, 7,000 families in Qi were affected; 970,000 packages of corn, 3,000 tons of firewood, and 2,700 houses were damaged. Thanks to Yanzi’s efficient relief work, the people of Qi finally survived the disaster in peace.
Yanzi’s legacy
Yanzi’s selfless act of risking his senior position to save the disaster victims was an example of true leadership and compassion. His legacy of love for the country and the people, as well as his frugality and self-discipline, will be remembered for generations to come. He showed that even in the face of adversity, one can still make a difference and help those in need.
Translation by Audrey Wang
