During the time when Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty was still the crown prince, Lu Zongdao played a crucial role as his tutor. Despite his esteemed position, Lu Zongdao faced the challenge of poverty, notably lacking in suitable wine vessels at home. This limitation led him to a humble yet creative solution: Whenever friends and relatives visited from afar, he would don ordinary attire and escort them to the Renhe Tavern close by for hospitality.
On one particular day, as Lu Zongdao entertained guests at the tavern, an unexpected summons from Emperor Zhenzong arrived at his home. Upon his return, the imperial messenger posed a question laden with concern: “The emperor has been seeking your presence. Having waited for you so long, how should I report today’s happenings to him?” Lu Zongdao’s response was forthright and imbued with principle: “Just tell it straight!” The messenger, wary of potential repercussions, further inquired: “But if I relay the truth, might the emperor take displeasure and hold you accountable?”
Lu Zongdao’s unwavering values
Lu Zongdao, unwavering in his values, replied: “Inviting friends for a drink is a normal human gesture; however, to deceive the emperor would constitute a grave misdeed for any minister.” This exchange of honesty and moral fortitude did not go unnoticed.
When Emperor Zhenzong later queried the messenger about the incident and received a truthful account, he sought clarification from Lu Zongdao himself. Confronted with the emperor’s question about his choice to socialize in a tavern, especially as a palace official potentially risking censure, Lu Zongdao elucidated his predicament: “My household suffers from poverty, lacking even basic vessels for drinking. When guests arrive, I lead them to the tavern nearby to offer them hospitality. There, in the guise of an ordinary person, unrecognizable, we find a sense of belonging among the fully equipped surroundings of the tavern, feeling truly at home.”
Lu Zongdao’s honesty in relaying his circumstances and his candid interaction with the emperor highlighted his loyalty and trustworthiness, earning him considerable respect and essential responsibilities in the court. Even in his later years, Emperor Zhenzong frequently acknowledged Zongdao’s virtues to Empress Dowager Zhang Xianming, advocating for his significant roles.
The honest and upright life of Meng Xin
Meng Xin, also revered as Xiuren, hailed from Solu in Guangchuan (present-day Changshan County, Shandong Province). Despite the shadow of poverty that loomed over his family, they remained dedicated to the principles of Confucianism through generations. Meng’s journey led him from scholarly pursuits to the military, where he served under Emperor Xiaowu, eventually becoming the prefect of Zhaoping. His governance was marked by benevolence, kindness, and a commitment to peace, commanding respect from both local authorities and influential figures, ensuring a reign where laws were upheld with reverence.
Meng was incorruptible in government, and even after leaving his official position, he remained honest and upright. Faced with dire poverty and relying on a single old cow for sustenance, a situation arose where his nephew sought to sell the cow to get money for essentials. Upon discovering the transaction and learning of the cow’s ill health, Meng intervened, candidly informing the prospective buyer of the cow’s condition, thereby preventing a deceitful sale. Despite the buyer’s persistent offers, Meng stood firm in his refusal, resulting in the buyer’s reluctant withdrawal.
This act of unwavering honesty caught the attention of Emperor Wen of Zhou, who, astounded by Meng’s character, elevated him to the position of the crown prince’s young master, later promoting him to the tutor of the crown prince. This recognition brought immense pride to the Confucian scholars of the time. Meng’s later appointments as the General of Chariots and Cavalry and the Attendant Cavalry Commandant further solidified his esteemed place in history, from which he gracefully retired in his later years.
Through the lives of Lu Zongdao and Meng Xin, we are reminded of the timeless value of honesty and its intrinsic role in shaping one’s legacy, illustrating how steadfast adherence to truth and principle can command respect and influence across generations.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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