Throughout history, there have been numerous records of locust plagues, often occurring during times of poor governance. However, an interesting pattern emerges from these records: locusts do not indiscriminately target all regions. In some cases, they seem to avoid areas governed by benevolent and virtuous officials.
Benevolent officials and the influence on locusts
In the Eastern Han Dynasty, a minister named Lu Gong, also known by his courtesy name Zhongkang, served as the magistrate of Zhongmu County. He was known for governing with kindness and virtue, earning him the respect and trust of officials and citizens.
During a severe locust plague that devastated crops in many regions, Zhongmu County was mysteriously spared. The governor of Henan, Yuan An, was skeptical of this report, doubting the possibility of locusts avoiding certain areas. To verify it, he sent an official named Fei Qin to investigate.
Accompanied by Lu Gong, Fei Qin inspected the fields in Zhongmu. As they rested under a mulberry tree, a wild pheasant approached without fear. Fei Qin asked a nearby child why he didn’t catch the bird. The child replied: “The pheasant is about to hatch its chicks.”
Deeply moved, Fei Qin reported to Yuan An: “I came to inspect your governance and found three remarkable phenomena. First, locusts did not invade Zhongmu; second, your virtuous governance has influenced even the animals; third, even children here possess compassion.” Fei Qin promptly returned to report his findings.
Impressed by the report, Yuan An commended Lu Gong’s abilities to the court. Upon completing his term, Lu Gong was promoted to a higher position.
Just governance and the absence of locusts
Another story from the Eastern Han Dynasty involves an official named Xu Xu, also known as Jingqing, who served in Youquan County. Known for his fair and meticulous enforcement of the law, he was later appointed as the magistrate of Xiaohuang County.
During a locust plague in Henan, vast areas of crops were consumed. Strangely, they bypassed Xiaohuang County entirely, leaving its crops untouched. When a provincial inspector noticed that no one in Xiaohuang participated in locust eradication efforts, he reprimanded Xu Xu and reported his supposed negligence to the court, leading to Xu Xu’s dismissal.
However, the day Xu Xu left office, locusts immediately descended upon Xiaohuang County. Realizing his mistake, the inspector apologized to Xu Xu and requested his reinstatement. Once Xu Xu resumed his duties, the locusts promptly left the county again, much to the people’s amazement.
The natural order and good governance
These stories imply that although locusts are highly destructive, their attacks are not entirely random and seem to follow certain rules. Therefore, in addition to combating them, the authorities should have also reflected on and improved their administration. From these stories, it seems that clear and just governance could mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
Translated by Elaine
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