During the Warring States period, the State of Qi was a powerful and prosperous nation. Under the reign of King Xuan of Qi, Tian Ji was appointed as the prime minister, leading to a period of political clarity and integrity among officials. This success was largely attributed to the wise upbringing of Tian Ji by his mother.
A mother’s keen observation
One day, Tian Ji returned home in his carriage. As was his custom, the first thing he did upon arrival was to bow and pay his respects to his mother. His observant mother, skilled at reading expressions, could always discern his political experiences of the day from his demeanor.
After greeting his mother, Tian Ji’s face showed a hint of joy. He took a hundred gold coins from his sleeve and presented them to her, saying: “Mother, this is my gift to you.”
Questioning the origin of Tian Ji’s gold
Upon seeing such a substantial amount of gold, his mother became suspicious. She asked sternly: “You have never received such a large amount from your salary in the three years you have been prime minister. Was this a reward from the king, or a bribe from an official?”
Tian Ji, afraid of his mother’s stern teachings, did not dare to respond immediately. Sensing something amiss, she demanded: “Why don’t you answer me?”
Respecting his mother’s strict discipline, Tian Ji confessed the truth. A court official, guilty of misconduct, had given him the gold in hopes that he would speak favorably of him to the king and secure his forgiveness. Although Tian Ji had initially refused, the official persisted, claiming it was a gift for Tian Ji’s mother. Being a filial son, Tian Ji finally accepted it.
The mother’s stern rebuke
His mother, hearing this, responded with gravity: “Listen carefully, my son. Accepting bribes from subordinates is dishonest and unfilial. A man of integrity must be strict with himself, remain pure, and not accept undeserved riches. Uprightness demands that you do not entertain dishonest deeds or allow ill-gotten wealth into your home. By accepting this bribe, you have undermined the rule of law and betrayed the trust of the king. As a prime minister, you should set an example of loyalty and honesty for all. How can you claim to be a loyal minister or a filial son if you accept bribes in my name? A son who is unfilial is not my son.”
With these words, she left, leaning on her cane in anger.
Rectifying the mistake
Tian Ji, overwhelmed with shame, immediately returned the gold to the official that evening. The next day, he went to court, requesting punishment and resignation from his post.
King Xuan, upon investigating the matter, was deeply impressed by the moral standards of Tian Ji’s mother. He personally visited her to express his admiration, and his entourage respected her sincerely. The king proclaimed: “A virtuous mother begets an excellent minister. With such a mother, how can the governance of Qi not be clear?” He praised Tian Ji’s honesty and reinstated him as prime minister, rewarding his mother with gold and silk as tokens of respect.
From then on, Tian Ji became even more vigilant in maintaining his integrity, eventually becoming one of the most accomplished prime ministers of the Warring States period.
Reflection from a Ming Dynasty thinker
Ming Dynasty thinker Lü Kun remarked: “Ordinary women are often tempted by small gains and do not consider the source of the wealth. Tian Ji’s mother, with her purity and integrity, refused to let unearned wealth enter her home and educated her son with the same principles. This shows her high moral standards. If women uphold integrity, their husbands and sons, no matter how greedy, will not bring ill-gotten gains into the home.”
Translated article
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