The Yuan Dynasty, founded by the Mongolian descendants of Genghis Khan, ruled China from 1271 to 1368. Kublai Khan, the dynasty’s first emperor, sought to integrate Mongolian and Chinese traditions by adopting Confucian values and emulating Han governance. Among the scholars who supported this Sinicization was Xu Heng, a prominent educator, statesman, and moral philosopher. His life, marked by dedication to learning and righteousness, left a profound legacy on Chinese culture and governance.
A thirst for knowledge and moral clarity
Born in 1209 in Qin County, Henan Province, Xu Heng hailed from a farming family. Despite their modest means, his extraordinary intelligence became apparent at a young age. At seven, he entered school, where his relentless curiosity often overwhelmed his teachers. When asked why he needed to study, Xu Heng’s initial teacher responded: “To pass examinations and achieve wealth and fame.” Dissatisfied, Xu Heng retorted: “Is that all?” This early exchange demonstrated his desire for more profound meaning and understanding, a trait that defined his academic and personal pursuits.
Xu Heng’s early education was marked by adversity. Growing up during a time of war, his family faced poverty and displacement. Yet, he remained steadfast in his quest for knowledge. Without access to books, he walked great distances to borrow and hand-copy texts, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles. One notable instance involved copying a rare commentary on the Book of Documents from a fortune-teller. This determination laid the foundation for his scholarly achievements.
Living by principles in a chaotic era
Xu Heng’s moral character was as remarkable as his intellect. During one episode, while fleeing conflict in the summer heat, he and his companions passed a pear tree laden with fruit. While others eagerly picked and ate the pears, Xu Heng sat calmly beneath the tree. When urged to take some, he replied: “The tree may have no owner in view, but my heart does.” This simple yet profound statement exemplified his unwavering adherence to ethical principles, even in dire circumstances.
His commitment to righteousness extended to his interactions with others. During a harsh winter, a student braved a blizzard to seek Xu Heng’s guidance. Seeing the student’s inadequate clothing, Xu Heng gave him his own coat and two coins to redeem his pawned winter clothes. When the student hesitated to accept, knowing Xu Heng was not wealthy, Xu Heng insisted, saying: “Helping you does not affect my livelihood. As the old saying goes, ‘Righteousness is worth a thousand pieces of gold.’” Such acts of kindness earned him widespread respect.
Contributions to education and governance
Xu Heng’s scholarly reputation eventually brought him to the court of Kublai Khan in 1254. As an official, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Yuan Dynasty’s policies and educational system. He advised Kublai to emphasize agriculture, build schools, and adopt Confucian principles to stabilize the fledgling empire. “Although the methods of governance vary between ancient and modern times, the key lies in winning the hearts of the people,” he counseled. Kublai accepted these recommendations, which facilitated the integration of Chinese and Mongolian cultures and the promotion of traditional Chinese values.
Xu Heng also contributed to the development of court etiquette and the hierarchical system of Yuan officials, enhancing the dynasty’s administrative structure. His educational initiatives included training future leaders steeped in Confucian thought. Among his notable students were Yao Shu and Yelu Yushang, who became prominent scholars and administrators.
Legacy of moral and cultural leadership
Xu Heng’s influence extended beyond his official duties. His personal conduct inspired those around him, including his family and community. It was said that even his children refrained from picking fallen fruit without permission, a testament to his moral teachings. In his later years, he returned to his hometown to recuperate from illness, continuing to teach and uphold Confucian ideals until his death in 1281 at the age of 72. The people of Huaiqing mourned deeply for him, and scholars from far and wide gathered to honor his memory.
Through his writings, including Collected Works of Luzhai and co-authored works like the Calendar of Seasons, Xu Heng’s intellectual legacy endures. His life exemplifies the Confucian ideal that morality and righteousness surpass material wealth in value. As he once demonstrated under a pear tree, true integrity comes from a heart guided by principles, not by circumstances.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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