In the county of Jinshan, a humble legal clerk named Hu Laotaigong exemplified courage, justice, and integrity as a judicial officer. Known for his honest and upright nature, Hu refused to accept bribes or engage in corrupt practices throughout his life. His principles were put to the ultimate test when he was tasked with handling a severe robbery case that left one victim dead and more than 30 suspects arrested.
A controversial verdict
The law at the time was unforgiving. Any involvement in robbery that resulted in harm or death carried a mandatory death sentence for both principal offenders and accomplices. Faced with this harsh reality, Hu examined the circumstances of the case and discovered that the suspects were impoverished individuals driven to crime by desperation. Despite the gravity of the crime, he could not bring himself to condemn all 30 suspects to death.
After careful deliberation, Hu recommended a more lenient sentence. He proposed the execution of the two principal offenders, while sentencing the others to exile. His reasoning was rooted in the fact that the victim’s death occurred during the chaos of the robbery and was not the result of deliberate violence. However, the county magistrate deemed Hu’s judgment too lenient and feared it would provoke criticism from higher authorities.
Standing firm under pressure
Undeterred, Hu defended his position, arguing that the suspects’ confessions revealed no history of habitual crime. He emphasized that the victim’s death was accidental, resulting from a fall during a scuffle, rather than the use of deadly weapons. Hu went so far as to offer himself up for punishment should his decision face censure. His steadfastness eventually persuaded the magistrate to approve his recommendations and submit the case to higher authorities.
As expected, the ruling was rejected, and the case was sent back multiple times. Hu persisted, revising and resubmitting his detailed explanations despite mounting pressure. Enraged by the leniency, the provincial governor summoned Hu and the magistrate to Suzhou for further investigation, threatening severe consequences.
Facing the governor’s wrath
In Suzhou, the provincial governor accused Hu of corruption and demanded an explanation for his actions. Calm and composed, Hu refuted the accusations, asserting that a sense of justice and compassion guided his recommendations. He quoted the renowned scholar Ouyang Xiu, who once said: “If I do my best to save lives and fail, I can answer to my conscience, and the deceased will not hold me accountable.”
The governor, struck by Hu’s sincerity and unwavering resolve, scrutinized the case further. Observing Hu’s demeanor and learning about his accomplished sons, the governor’s attitude softened. Recognizing Hu’s integrity and the merit of his arguments, he approved the proposed sentences: the execution of two principal offenders and the sparing of the others’ lives.
A legacy of virtue and reward
The case’s resolution brought vindication for Hu and the magistrate. The following year, Hu’s eldest son succeeded in the imperial examinations, becoming a Jinshi, the highest rank of scholar. His other sons continued to excel academically, solidifying the family’s reputation as a household of scholars. The provincial governor attributed this good fortune to Hu’s moral conduct, remarking that his “practice of virtue within public office” had brought blessings upon his family.
Hu Laotaigong’s story underscores the courage required to uphold justice while showing mercy. His legacy is a testament to the profound impact of integrity and compassion in governance.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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