In life, the ability to exercise patience and tolerance can often determine the outcome of crucial situations. This article explores two stories — one of a famous Northern Song general, Di Qing, and another of an ordinary man, Xu Shoutian — showcasing how their ability to remain calm and generous in the face of provocation led to surprising and positive outcomes.
Di Qing’s magnanimity in winning over Liu Yi
The Northern Song general Di Qing, known for his strategic brilliance, was faced with a unique challenge when his good friend General Han recommended a fierce warrior named Liu Yi to assist in guarding the border. Liu Yi was not only skilled in military tactics but also had an unusual quirk — an obsession with bitter vegetables. This peculiar habit sometimes led to violent outbursts when his meals lacked the cherished ingredient, creating fear among soldiers and commanders.
Once at the border, the supply of bitter vegetables ran out, and Liu Yi’s temper flared. His outburst could have destabilized the entire camp, but instead of punishing Liu, Di Qing took a different approach. Understanding the importance of unity and the need to maintain morale, Di Qing chose to comfort Liu and sent for the bitter vegetables from their home region. This act of understanding and restraint not only quelled the unrest but also won Liu’s loyalty and respect. Di Qing’s wisdom in handling the situation ensured the continued strength of his troops and avoided unnecessary conflict within the ranks.
Xu Shoutian’s tolerance changed his destiny
In a separate incident, an ordinary man named Xu Shoutian encountered a situation that could have quickly escalated into tragedy. While at the market, Xu was accidentally bumped into by a dung collector, leaving him covered in filth. Understanding the dung collector’s difficult circumstances, Xu chose to quietly walk away. However, the dung collector, rather than apologizing, falsely accused Xu of causing the mishap and began to beat him and curse at him. Despite the humiliation, Xu did not retaliate and instead fled the scene.
When Xu returned home, his family complained about the bad omen, worsening his mood. Later that night, he was surprised by a knock at the door, discovering it was the dung collector. The dung collector explained that they had enmity from a past life, but because Xu had shown tolerance, most of that hatred had dissipated. He revealed that he had died suddenly after chasing Xu and was now in need of a proper burial.
Despite his fear, Xu agreed to help. The next day, he went to the dung collector’s home, confirmed his death, and arranged a decent burial. He also gave some money to the dung collector’s son to help support his family.
By showing tolerance and compassion, Xu not only resolved the conflict from a previous life, but also avoided potential repercussions that could have led to his own downfall.
Conclusion
Both Di Qing and Xu Shoutian demonstrated the power of tolerance and understanding in their respective situations. Whether leading an army or navigating personal challenges, the ability to remain patient and see the bigger picture often leads to better outcomes. Their stories remind us that true strength lies in tolerance, in the ability to control one’s emotions and act with wisdom, ultimately shaping not only our own destiny, but also the lives of those around us.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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