Throughout history, stories of karma and retribution have served as powerful reminders that our actions, whether good or bad, have consequences that will eventually catch up with us. The following two stories, set in different periods of Chinese history, illustrate this principle vividly. They show that when people abuse their power or betray others, they must ultimately answer for their deeds, often in ways that are as unexpected as they are inevitable.
The unjust punishment of an innocent musician
During the Yuanjia period of the Southern Song Dynasty, a notorious gang of robbers terrorized the people under the cover of night. Their brazen actions made it difficult for the authorities to capture them. At that time, Tao Jizhi was the magistrate of Moling County. Determined to end these crimes, he dispatched his subordinates to investigate the gang secretly and apprehend them.
After some time, all the criminals, including the gang leader Li Long, were caught. Among those arrested, however, was an innocent man — a talented musician. This man, a well-known performer for his skill with musical instruments, had been mistakenly implicated through the confessions of the other bandits. Tao Jizhi, in his haste to present a list of suspects, did not carefully examine the evidence. As a result, the musician was included among those to be executed.
Despite the testimonies from the musician’s friends and those who had witnessed his performances elsewhere on the nights of the robberies, the wheels of justice continued to turn unchecked. Realizing his mistake, Tao Jizhi chose to remain silent, fearing that admitting the error would jeopardize his position. He hoped that his oversight would go unnoticed and that he could avoid any repercussions.
On the day of the execution, many people gathered to witness the event, heartbroken at the fate of the musician. Just before he was put to death, the musician spoke his final words: “Although I come from a poor background, I have always aspired to be a kind-hearted person and have never done anything wrong. I was not involved in any robberies, and Tao Jizhi knows this. If there is no afterlife, so be it. But if there is, I will go to the Heavenly Court to seek justice!” He then played his last piece on his lute, a haunting melody that left the crowd in tears.
A month after his death, Tao Jizhi dreamed that the musician he had wronged appeared before him, furious and vengeful. “I was wrongly killed, and I have sought justice in the Heavenly Court. Now I have come to take your life.” The musician’s ghost then entered Tao Jizhi’s body through his mouth. Tao Jizhi awoke in terror, suffering from violent seizures and bizarre, uncontrollable movements. Within five days, he was dead. His death marked the beginning of his family’s decline. His two sons died young, and his grandson was left destitute, struggling to survive on the streets.
The ghost’s debt
The Qing Dynasty offers another chilling tale of karmic retribution. Dong ‘Eluo, the Chief Secretary of Prince Heng’s household, had been exiled for an offense. While traveling to Urumqi one evening, he dismounted his horse to rest under a large tree. There, he encountered a man who greeted him respectfully. The man introduced himself as Liu Qing, a soldier who had served under Chen Zhushan, the official of the local printing house.
After a lengthy conversation, Liu Qing asked Dong ‘Eluo to deliver a message to Xi’er, a servant of Chen Zhushan in Urumqi. Liu Qing explained that Xi’er owed him 300 coins, and now that he was in financial difficulty, he desperately needed the debt to be repaid.
Dong ‘Eluo met Xi’er the next day and relayed Liu Qing’s message. Xi’er was immediately struck with fear, breaking into a cold sweat. When Dong ‘Eluo asked why he was so frightened, Xi’er confessed that Liu Qing had already died. Shortly after Liu Qing’s death, Chen Zhushan had given Xi’er 300 coins to buy offerings and pay tribute to Liu Qing, recognizing his diligent service. But Xi’er, knowing that Liu Qing had no family, kept the money for himself, believing that no one would ever know.
When Chen Zhushan heard the story, he was shaken. Though he had never believed in the supernatural, he realized no one could have fabricated such a message. “I always thought that people feared their evil deeds being exposed, but I see now that one cannot hide even the unseen,” he remarked. The incident made him reconsider his disbelief in karma and the existence of ghosts, as he now understood that every action has consequences.
Lessons from the past
These two stories highlight the importance of upholding justice, honoring one’s commitments, and recognizing the invisible forces that may shape our lives. They serve as a powerful reminder that our choices and actions can have lasting repercussions, both in this world and beyond. Though the specifics may differ, these tales of unjust punishment and ghostly repayment echo timeless themes of accountability, karma, and the delicate balance that governs the human experience.
Translated by Eva
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