In ancient China, acts of kindness and compassion were seen as virtuous and were often believed to bring blessings and rewards. The following stories highlight the selfless deeds of two historical figures, Wang Zeng from the Song Dynasty and Mo Wentong from the Ming Dynasty, whose noble actions not only changed the lives of those they helped, but also brought unexpected blessings to their own families.
The story of Wang Zeng
Wang Zeng, a renowned official during the Song Dynasty, was known for his integrity and kindness. Born in Yidu, present-day Changle County in Shandong Province, Wang was also known by his courtesy name, Xiaoxian. During Emperor Zhenzong’s reign, Wang Zeng topped the provincial examination and later, he traveled to the capital to participate in the imperial examination.
On his way, he stayed at an inn. There, he overheard the heart-wrenching cries of a mother and daughter nearby. Upon inquiry, he discovered their plight: Unable to repay a government debt of 40,000 coins, the mother had no choice but to sell her daughter to a merchant. This separation caused them unbearable sorrow.
Moved by their dire situation, Wang Zeng said to the mother: “You can sell your daughter to me instead. I move in official circles, and you will still have opportunities to see each other.” He then paid off the merchant, settled their debt, and agreed to formally marry the daughter in three days.
However, three days passed, and Wang Zeng did not appear. The confused mother visited the inn to inquire about him, only to be handed a letter he had left behind. The letter did not discuss the money, but advised her to find a suitable family for her daughter to marry into. It was then they realized that Wang Zeng was a truly noble soul who had intended only to help them. The mother and daughter were immensely grateful for his generosity.
When Wang Zeng arrived in the capital and participated in the exams at the Ministry of Rites and the palace examinations, he ranked first in all, achieving the top three scholarly honors successively. Friends and family celebrated his success, remarking that he would now enjoy a lifetime of wealth and comfort. However, Wang Zeng replied sternly: “I have never sought personal comfort in my life. Becoming an official is not about personal luxury.”
Wang Zeng’s career flourished as he served in various high-ranking positions, known for his unwavering integrity and exceptional governance. During Emperor Renzong’s reign, he rose to the position of Prime Minister. He was posthumously honored with the title Duke of Yiguo and the honorary name Wen Zheng for his selfless character.
Mo Wentong’s act of compassion leads to blessings
Mo Wentong was a kind-hearted and charitable man who lived in Yunjiang County during the Ming Dynasty. One day, while out to buy rice seeds with 20 taels of silver, he witnessed two men tying up a young girl, preparing to drown her in the Huangpu River. Mo intervened, asking the men why they were doing such a cruel act. They explained that their master had ordered them to drown the girl because she had been caught in a forbidden relationship.
Mo Wentong reasoned with them, saying: “The girl is young and may not have understood her actions. Besides, your master did not witness this himself; what if there has been a mistake? I will give you twenty taels of silver to release her.” The men accepted, and the girl, in tears, vowed to serve Mo forever. However, Mo gently refused, explaining that he saved her out of compassion, not for her beauty. He advised her to seek shelter quickly as night was approaching.
That night, Mo Wentong dreamt of a divine being who told him: “You have saved a life, earning great merit. Heaven will bless you with wise and filial descendants.” True to the prophecy, Mo’s family prospered. His son Sheng achieved academic honors, as did his grandson Hao, who ranked second in the provincial examination. Hao’s son Yu also became a scholar, and Yu’s son Ruzhong ranked second in the provincial examination and became a distinguished official. Mo’s family members also received blessings from his act of compassion.
Translated by Katy Liu, edited by Maria
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