During the Yongping era of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty, officials from the Three Ducal Ministers’ offices (the Grand Commandant, Minister over the Masses, and Minister of Works who assisted the emperor in governing state affairs) jointly handled the case of King Liu Ying of Chu’s alleged rebellion. During the trial, the accused, Yan Zhong and Wang Ping, were interrogated.
They then implicated four others: Geng Jian, Zang Xin, Deng Li, and Liu Jian, who were subsequently arrested. However, when Geng Jian and the others were questioned, they claimed they had never even met Yan Zhong and Wang Ping. The case became increasingly complex. Frustrated and angry, Emperor Ming ordered the officials to investigate everyone related to the case. The officials, in a state of panic, began arresting anyone with even the slightest connection, leading to the wrongful detention of many innocent people.
Han Lang, a censor (an official responsible for supervision and inspection) involved in the trial, was deeply concerned about the large number of innocent people being detained. He separately interrogated Yan Zhong and Wang Ping, asking them about Geng Jian and the others. Their statements were utterly contradictory.
Han Lang reported to Emperor Ming
Realizing there was deception involved, Han Lang submitted a report to Emperor Ming, stating: “Geng Jian and the others are innocent and were only arrested due to false accusations by Yan Zhong and Wang Ping. Across the country, there are likely many more innocent people wrongfully accused like them.”
Upon receiving this report, Emperor Ming summoned Han Lang to the palace and asked: “If Geng Jian and the others are innocent, why did Yan Zhong and Wang Ping implicate them?” Han Lang replied: “Perhaps Yan Zhong and Wang Ping, knowing the severity of their crimes, wanted to involve more people to lessen their guilt.” The emperor, somewhat displeased, questioned: “If you knew Geng Jian and the others were wronged, why didn’t you report it earlier, allowing them to be imprisoned for so long?”
Han Lang explained: “At the time, I wanted to wait and see if any other information would come to light, which is why I delayed reporting.” Furiously hearing this, Emperor Ming accused Han Lang of playing both sides and ordered his execution.
Han Lang pleaded: “Please allow me to say one more sentence before I die.” The emperor asked, “What is it?” Han Lang said: “I truly do not dare to deceive you. I only wish to help the country.”
The emperor pressed: “Who else is involved with you?”
Han Lang earnestly replied: “I know I cannot escape death today, and my entire family will be executed because of me. How could I dare to accuse others falsely? I sincerely hope Your Majesty can calm down and think carefully! During the earlier stages of the trial, I noticed that the officials in charge, fearing the gravity of the case and the accusation of ‘letting criminals go,’ preferred to arrest and convict more people rather than release the innocent.”
He continued: “They believed that they would not be implicated by doing so. As a result, arresting one led to ten more, interrogating ten led to a hundred more, and the number of innocent people wrongfully imprisoned grew. What will be the outcome of this? Please consider, Your Majesty! I have said my piece. I have no regrets even in death.”
Emperor Ming, taken aback by Han Lang’s words, was moved and ordered Han Lang’s release. The following day, the emperor visited Luoyang prison to oversee the case review. The investigation revealed that a thousand innocent people were wrongfully detained.
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