In ancient China, compassion and virtue were held as cornerstones of society. Acts of kindness, whether from those in power or ordinary citizens, were celebrated and remembered. Through these qualities, emperors and commoners alike influenced the lives of those around them and set examples for future generations. The following stories from the Tang and Southern Song dynasties highlight two individuals — one a powerful emperor, the other a humble villager — who demonstrated these values, showing how compassion can bridge social divides and leave a lasting legacy.
The emperor’s benevolence in a time of love and loss
In the Tang Dynasty, a young poet named Han Yi found himself in a cycle of misfortune despite his literary talents. Han’s close friend, Li Sheng, a wealthy and righteous man, valued their friendship deeply. Li’s beloved concubine, Lady Liu, was renowned for her beauty and charm. Admiring Han’s potential, Li generously offered Lady Liu’s companionship to Han and even provided him with a significant sum to support their new life together.
Yet, the times were turbulent. Soon after their marriage, Han’s career called him away, and Lady Liu was left in Chang’an as he ventured out to serve in a distant military post. Their separation continued through years of political unrest. When rebels seized the capital, Liu went into hiding, fearing for her safety. Eventually, she was captured by Shatal, a foreign general, who made her his favored companion. Upon his return, Han searched tirelessly for her but despaired upon hearing of her situation.
Han and Liu met once more in a chance encounter, exchanging words that rekindled their bond. Moved by Han’s plight, a friend named Xu Jun devised a daring plan to reunite the couple. Disguised as a messenger, Xu rescued Lady Liu and brought her back to Han. However, fearing retribution, Han turned to his superior, Hou Xiyi, who courageously reported the situation to Emperor Daizong.
Emperor Daizong, understanding the depth of their connection, showed compassion and wisdom. Not only did he decree that Lady Liu should be returned to Han, but he also compensated Shatal to soothe any resentment, resolving the matter peacefully. The emperor’s empathy allowed Han and Lady Liu to reunite safely, demonstrating the role of benevolence even in high political affairs.
Yan Shiqi’s charity in times of hardship
In a different era, the Southern Song Dynasty, another tale of compassion emerged in a small village. Yan Shiqi, a resident of Shanyin County, was known for his generosity and selflessness. While he held no official rank, Yan became a pillar of his community, especially during a time of famine when food and resources were scarce.
As the famine took its toll, three of Yan’s neighbors, all with newborn sons, were on the verge of abandoning their children, fearing they couldn’t provide for them. When Yan learned of their plight, he offered his own food and clothing to ensure the children’s survival, a simple but profound gesture of support. With his help, these three children survived the famine and grew up to adulthood.
Yan’s compassion extended beyond his immediate neighbors. He devoted over 20 years to caring for two elderly women, providing them with companionship and support until their passing, after which he arranged their burials. During the famine, 15 other villagers perished, leaving orphaned children behind. Once again, Yan stepped in, purchasing coffins to ensure a proper burial for the deceased and offering shelter and care for the orphans.
Recognizing Yan’s commitment to his community, the imperial court honored him with a plaque inscribed with the words: “The Righteous Deeds of the Yan Clan,” exempting him from taxes and labor duties for a decade. This formal acknowledgment mirrored the emperor’s benevolence in Han Yi’s story, underscoring the importance of virtuous deeds at every level of society.
A legacy of virtue
These stories highlight a timeless truth: compassion transcends social rank and status. From an emperor’s decree to a villager’s daily acts of kindness, ancient China deeply respected individuals who uplifted others through empathy and selflessness. Whether recorded in royal decrees or inscribed on a plaque, acts of compassion were honored as integral to the moral fabric of society.
By weaving these narratives of kindness from different walks of life, we see how compassion and virtue not only shaped the lives of individuals, but also strengthened communities and contributed to a more harmonious society. These enduring examples remind us of the power of benevolence in overcoming life’s hardships and building a legacy that inspires future generations.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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