During the Qing Dynasty, He Heshuai of Shaoxing was known for his wild and uninhibited personality. In his youth, his extravagant lifestyle led to losing his entire family fortune. His wife came from a wealthy family, so he moved in with his wife’s uncle. Soon, he fell back into his old ways, squandering everything from his uncle’s household to indulge in drinking and gambling. Eventually, he borrowed thousands of taels of silver and set out for the capital in search of a government position.
Upon arriving in the capital, he continued his reckless ways, spending everything within a year. Broke and covered in festering sores, his servants abandoned him, and he found himself living in a dilapidated temple alongside a beggar.
A beggar’s kindness
The beggar shared his food and tirelessly searched for herbs to treat Heshuai’s wounds. After more than a month, he began to recover. Seeing potential in him, the beggar advised: “You do not have the appearance of someone destined for a life of poverty. Why not make a plan for a better future?” Heshuai replied: “With my clothes in such a sorry state, how could I possibly face anyone?” The beggar, undeterred, said: “I have saved a few taels of silver from my begging. I have no use for it, so take it to make yourself some proper clothing.”
With that, Heshuai dressed himself anew and returned to the capital, visiting various officials in search of a position. One day, while walking, he was spotted by his creditors, who chased him for repayment. He ran wildly out of the south gate and darted into a large door. Noticing the silence in the main hall and side rooms, he walked straight behind a screen, where he saw an elderly lady sitting.
An unexpected savior
Heshuai knelt and pleaded for her help, explaining his dire situation. The elderly woman took pity on him. Meanwhile, the creditors gathered outside, but dared not enter. She went out and scolded them, saying: “I am a widow who has never entertained men in my home. Why have you come here without reason?” Believing they had the wrong person, the crowd dispersed.
After closing the door, the elderly lady asked for his name and background. Upon hearing his story, the elderly lady mentioned she shared the same surname. Then, she introduced herself, explaining that she was a widow who had lost her only son, a 24-year-old soldier, during a training exercise. When she asked where Heshuai was headed, he admitted he had nowhere to go and felt utterly lost. She proposed: “If you accept me as your mother, I will help you find your way.” Touched by her kindness and having no other options, Heshuai agreed and treated her like his own mother.
A new path in life
The elderly lady arranged for him to become a soldier in charge of river management. Heshuai thoroughly surveyed the entire river, assessing the terrain and understanding the key points and vulnerabilities. His diligence and skill soon led to him managing river engineering and water conservation projects with great efficiency. Within a few years, he was promoted to Qianzhong (a junior officer in the Qing Dynasty’s army).
In a particular year of the Qianlong era, the Yellow River experienced a breach, prompting the emperor to inspect the engineering efforts personally. Heshuai and the deputy governor from Shijingshan went to greet the emperor. The emperor inquired about the situation regarding the breach and asked how to approach the strategies of dredging or blocking it. The deputy governor was left speechless and could not respond at all.
Heshuai stepped forward and eloquently explained the situation and the necessary actions. Upon hearing this, the emperor became angry and said to his attendants: “Our civil officials are supposed to solve these problems, yet they seem clueless. What use is this deputy governor? These two men might as well switch positions!”
Rising to prominence
Grateful for this recognition, Heshuai was soon promoted to the position of river governor. In every place he served, he managed the waterways cautiously, implementing drainage or preventive measures, eliminating unnecessary personnel, and preparing for future disasters. As a result, the Yellow River remained stable for many years without further breaches, and each year, reports confirmed its safety. The river governor’s plans became models for future generations.
Being the river governor, Heshuai also remembered those who had helped him. He brought the elderly lady, who had once sheltered him, to his official residence to care for her. Additionally, he recruited the beggar who had assisted him into the military, where he was recommended and promoted to a position of the third rank in the Qing military hierarchy.
Translated by Joseph Wu
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
