Two young scholars from Wujin County, Qian Weicheng and his close friend Li Jianzhong, set out on a journey to Beijing in May of the 10th year of the reign of the Qianlong Emperor, which corresponds to 1745 (as the Qianlong Emperor began his reign in 1735), to participate in the imperial examinations. This rigorous examination was the gateway to official positions in the government and was a highly esteemed path for scholars seeking to serve the empire.
The journey was long and taxing. Upon reaching their lodging on the outskirts of Beijing, fatigue overcame Qian Weicheng, and he fell into a deep sleep on their very first night. As he slept, he experienced a vivid dream. In this dream, the results of the imperial examination had been announced. A large crowd of examinees gathered around a wall where the list of successful candidates was posted.
Eagerly pushing through the crowd, Qian Weicheng looked up at the list. At the very top was the name of his friend Li Jianzhong, emblazoned in bold characters. Excitement and pride for his friend welled up within him. He then scanned the list for his name. After searching through the top rankings without finding it, he finally spotted his name listed at the 30th position. A mix of relief and disappointment filled him; he was glad to have passed, but had hoped for a higher ranking.
Upon awakening, the dream lingered vividly in his mind. Unable to contain himself, he immediately shared it with Li Jianzhong. “I had the most peculiar dream,” he began. “I saw the examination results — you were ranked first, and I was placed at thirtieth.”
Li Jianzhong’s eyes widened with excitement. “Perhaps it’s a sign!” he exclaimed. The prospect of topping the examinations filled him with anticipation, so much so that sleep eluded him for the rest of the night.
Unexpected plea for help
The next morning, the two friends resumed their journey toward the examination hall in Beijing. As they traveled along a winding path beside a river, the morning’s tranquility was suddenly pierced by desperate cries: “Help! Help!” The pleas seemed to emanate from a densely forested area adjacent to the road.
Without hesitation, Qian Weicheng pulled on the reins of his horse. “Someone’s in trouble!” he exclaimed, turning his steed toward the direction of the cries.
Li Jianzhong grabbed his arm, concern etched on his face. “Wait! It could be a trap set by bandits. We shouldn’t risk our safety, especially with the examinations so close.”
But Qian Weicheng shook off his friend’s grasp. “If someone’s life is in danger, I cannot in good conscience ignore it.” Resolute, he urged his horse forward and disappeared into the thicket.
Li Jianzhong watched him go, anxiety gnawing at him. Torn between concern for his friend and fear for his own safety, he ultimately decided to stay on the main path, keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings.
A selfless choice in a moment of crisis
Meanwhile, Qian Weicheng navigated through the dense foliage and soon found a heartbreaking scene. Near the riverbank stood a woman clutching a small girl, both of them sobbing uncontrollably. The woman appeared to be in utter despair, her eyes red and swollen, her clothes tattered and damp from tears.
“Madam, what troubles you so deeply?” Qian called out gently as he approached, careful not to startle them.
Startled by his sudden appearance, the woman looked up. “Who are you?” she asked warily.
“I am a traveler and a scholar on my way to Beijing for the examinations. I heard your cries and came to offer assistance,” he replied reassuringly.
The woman hesitated momentarily before the weight of her sorrow overwhelmed her. “There’s no help for us,” she sobbed. “My husband died under the burden of unbearable farm taxes. We have no home, no food, and no hope. I see no other option but to end our suffering here and now.”
Her words struck Qian deeply. He glanced at the little girl, whose tear-streaked face mirrored her mother’s despair. Moved by their plight, he said: “Taking your lives is not the answer. There is always hope, even in the darkest of times.”
From despair to renewed hope
“But what can we do?” the woman cried. “We have nothing and no one to turn to.”
Qian Weicheng pondered for a moment. He was not wealthy; his family had painstakingly saved to provide him with a modest sum of 20 taels of silver for his journey and expenses in Beijing. Reaching into his pouch, he withdrew 10 taels — half of all he had.
“Please accept this,” he said, pressing the silver into the woman’s hands. “Use it to secure food and shelter. It may not be much, but it should help you get back on your feet.”
The woman stared at the silver in disbelief. “I cannot accept this,” she protested. “You need it for your journey.”
“I insist,” Qian replied firmly, but kindly. “Your need is greater than mine. Consider it a loan, if you must, to be repaid when your circumstances improve.”
Overwhelmed with gratitude, the woman knelt before him. “Thank you, sir. You have saved our lives. We will never forget your kindness.”
He helped her to her feet. “There is no need for thanks. Just promise me you will take care of yourself and your daughter.”
A clear conscience, but a challenging journey
After ensuring they were safe and had a plan to return to their village, Qian made his way back to the main road, where Li Jianzhong awaited him impatiently.
“What happened?” Li demanded. “You were gone so long!”
Qian recounted the encounter. Li Jianzhong listened, but showed little empathy. “You were reckless,” he scolded. “We cannot afford delays or distractions. The examinations are our priority.”
Qian nodded, but his conscience was clear. “Some things are more important than personal ambitions,” he replied softly.
The rest of their journey was strained. With half his funds gone, Qian had to tighten his belt. He skipped meals and chose the cheapest inns, while Li Jianzhong continued comfortably, focusing solely on the upcoming exams.
Examination results defy expectations
A month later, the examinations concluded, and the results were to be posted. The atmosphere was tense as hundreds of candidates gathered before the announcement board. Memories of his dream resurfaced as Qian pushed through the crowd, his heart pounding.
To his astonishment, his own name topped the list — he had achieved the prestigious title of Zhuangyuan, the highest rank in the imperial examinations! Scanning further down, he found Li Jianzhong’s name listed at the 30th position.
Li Jianzhong approached him, disbelief etched on his face. “This can’t be,” he muttered. “Your dream showed me as first and you as thirtieth. How did this happen?”
Qian smiled modestly. “Perhaps dreams are not always literal. Maybe the heavens saw fit to reward a humble deed.”
Li Jianzhong frowned, unwilling to accept the reversal of fortunes. “You were lucky,” he said tersely before turning away.
The lasting impact of virtue and compassion
Qian Weicheng’s success marked the beginning of a distinguished career. He served the Qing Dynasty with integrity and diligence, earning respect as a scholar and an official. His actions on that fateful day were often recounted as an example of how virtue and compassion can alter one’s destiny.
Years later, Qian again crossed paths with the woman and her daughter. They had rebuilt their lives and were thriving. The daughter, now grown, had become a teacher, helping others in her community. They expressed their eternal gratitude, reaffirming to Qian that his decision to help had far-reaching impacts beyond what he could have imagined.
Li Jianzhong, on the other hand, struggled with bitterness over the years. His inability to recognize the importance of empathy and moral responsibility hindered his progress. While maintaining a position within the bureaucracy, he never achieved the heights his early ambitions envisioned.
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