In the annals of Chinese history, few virtues have held as much sway as filial piety. This cornerstone of Chinese culture, emphasizing respect, obedience, and care for one’s parents and ancestors, has the power to move hearts and change destinies. Rooted in Confucian philosophy, filial piety (孝, xiào) is considered the foundation of all virtues in Chinese society. Join us as we explore two extraordinary tales of Chinese filial piety that not only impressed emperors, but also softened the hearts of hardened criminals.
Jiang Ge: The epitome of Chinese filial piety in the Han Dynasty
During the turbulent Eastern Han Dynasty, there was a young man named Jiang Ge who lost his father at a young age and relied on his mother for support growing up. In those days, the world was in chaos and bandits were rampant. To escape the turmoil, Jiang carried his mother on his back, enduring numerous hardships and dangers. He often picked fruits and vegetables or gathered whatever edible items he could find to feed her.
Several times, they encountered marauding bandits. When the bandits wanted to abduct Jiang and force him to join their ranks, he pleaded tearfully: “I still have my elderly mother with me. If you take me away, who will care for her?” His heartfelt plea and sincere filial piety moved the bandits. Struck by compassion, they not only spared them, but even gave them directions to safety.
Jiang and his mother wandered to Dunpi. Due to poverty, Jiang had no shoes and always walked barefoot. He worked tirelessly as a laborer, using his meager earnings to ensure his mother never lacked daily necessities. His dedication earned him the title “Jiang of Great Filial Piety.”
In the late years of Emperor Guangwu’s Jianwu era (A.D. 56), Jiang and his mother returned to their hometown. During the annual household registration review, every family had to register, and for the elderly, the journey in a cart pulled by oxen or horses could be jarring and detrimental to their health. To spare his mother the discomfort, Jiang pulled the cart himself, carefully navigating the road to minimize the bumps.
Due to his outstanding filial piety, local officials wanted to offer Jiang a government job. However, he declined, citing his need to care for his elderly mother. After her passing, Jiang was deeply saddened and observed a strict mourning period, staying by her grave and even sleeping in his mourning clothes.
In the early years of Emperor Ming’s Yongping era (A.D. 58), Jiang’s exceptional virtue was recognized, and he was recommended for the title of “Filial and Honest.” Due to his upright character, Jiang entered official service and was promoted continuously. Emperor Zhang of the Eastern Han greatly respected and favored him. This admiration spread, and royal family members in the capital presented him with gifts as a sign of respect.
During the Yuanhe years (A.D. 84-87), Emperor Zhang Liu Zhi ordered local officials to bestow a thousand measures of grain upon Jiang. Every August, officials would visit him to offer sheep and wine, continuing until his old age. If misfortune befell his family, they performed sacrifices for him. Thus, Jiang’s filial piety became known throughout the land.
Lai Lusun: Yuan Dynasty’s champion of filial devotion
Fast forward to the Yuan Dynasty, and we meet Lai Lusun, another champion of filial piety. In the second year of Emperor Renzong’s Yanyou era (A.D. 1315), bandit Cai Wujiao besieged Ningdu in Ganzhou, inciting civil unrest, killing local officials, and plundering wealth. When bandits attacked Ninghua County in Tingzhou (Fujian), the people fled to the mountains in terror. Among them was Lai Lusun, who carried his sick mother, Ms. Wu, on his back while fleeing with his wife.
Cornered by bandits, Lai used his body as a human shield for his mother, declaring he’d rather die than see her harmed. When his mother grew thirsty and no water was in sight, Lai didn’t hesitate to moisturize her mouth with his own saliva.
The bandits, witnessing this moving scene, were astonished and could not bear to harm them further. They fetched clean water for his mother to drink.
When one bandit attempted to take Lai’s wife, the others condemned him, saying: “How can you dishonor the wife of a dutiful son!” They returned her quickly, allowing the family to reunite.
This story quickly spread to Emperor Renzong, who was moved by Lai’s filial piety and awarded him a plaque recognizing his virtue.
The lasting impact of filial piety in Chinese society
These stories, spanning different dynasties, demonstrate how deeply ingrained filial piety is in Chinese culture. It’s a virtue that transcends personal devotion, often becoming a public testament to one’s character that can inspire and transform those around them.
In today’s world, where family values can sometimes feel under threat, these ancient tales remind us of the profound impact of filial devotion. They show that true strength and revolutionary change often come from simple, heartfelt actions of love and loyalty to one’s family.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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