Wang Jia was a native of Hejian Zhangwu (now Hejian County, Hebei). In the last years of the Sui Dynasty, Wang Jia served in the army in Qizhou. One year, he was sent to escort more than 70 exiled prisoners and their leader, Li Shen, to the capital.
Prisoners share expressions of remorse
According to the system in place at the time, exiled prisoners were escorted in shackles. When they reached the Xingyang area, Wang Jia took pity on the prisoners’ hardship and said to them: “Since you have violated the laws and harmed yourselves, you will have to take your punishment. After this long march, the soldiers and I are tired, and we still have a long way to go to escort you prisoners to the capital. Do you feel any remorse?” Li Shen and the others expressed their sorrow for violating the law.
The prisoners were moved and gave their word to Wang Jia
Wang Jia said: “Although you have violated the law, it is also a great suffering to have to wear such heavy shackles. I intend to unshackle you, let you leave freely, and we will gather again in the capital. Can you do it without breaking the deadline?”
The prisoners all thanked Wang Jia and said: “I will not dare to break the deadline.” Wang Jia then opened all their shackles, stopped sending soldiers to guard them, and made an agreement with the prisoners: “On the specific day and time, I will go to the capital and meet you all there again. If you are not there, then I will die for you all.” After saying these words, he stopped escorting the prisoners and departed.
The exiled prisoners were moved and delighted. They arrived in the capital on time, and none escaped or defected.
Even the emperor was amazed
When the emperor heard about it, he was amazed and praised Wang Jia for his kindness. The emperor summoned all the exiled prisoners and asked them to bring their wives into the palace for a feast in the courtyard. The emperor pardoned and released these same prisoners who kept their promises and knew what was good and what was evil.
The emperor sighed and said: “All people have spirituality, know their likes and dislikes, and can distinguish right from wrong. If you treat them sincerely and give explicit advice, ordinary people will be enlightened and reasonable.”
The cause of turmoil: No morality and merciless officials
In the past, there was turmoil on the land, no morality or religion, officials had no mercy, and the people had treacherous intentions. Prison lawsuits continued, and the social atmosphere was difficult to change. I was commanded by Heaven to provide for the people, think about the holy law, educate people with morality, and work tirelessly from morning till night.
Wang Jia understands my intentions and sincerely educates and guides me. Li Shen and others were moved by their conscience and surrendered to the government by themselves. It can be seen from here that people are not challenged to educate, but the officials did not tell them, so they sinned and had no way to reform.
The end of punishment
If officials are like Wang Jia, who was merciful, and the people are like Li Shen, whose conscience could move, then the day when punishment will no longer be required is not far off.
As a result, Wang Jia was promoted as an official and later became famous in governance.
Translated by Chua BC
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