Throughout Chinese history, countless officials and ordinary citizens have faced moral dilemmas that tested their character. When lives were on the line, some chose to act with extraordinary compassion, often risking punishment, reputation, or personal fortune. These historical accounts, preserved in classical texts, reveal the values of duty, righteousness, and humanity — ideals that transcended status and era.
Feeding 10,000 in a famine — before asking for forgiveness
Zhang Pu, a high-ranking official, was serving as the prefect of Chuzhou when a severe famine struck the region. Starving families filled the streets, and Zhang urgently requested the release of government grain from the provincial authorities. But his requests went unanswered.
Faced with mounting desperation, he exclaimed: “Should we really wait for a response from above while the people die before our eyes?” Acting without official permission, he opened the granaries and distributed food to the hungry. His decision saved more than 10,000 lives.
This was a bold and dangerous move. Under imperial law, unauthorized use of state grain could be considered theft or insubordination — offenses punishable by severe penalties, even execution. Nevertheless, after the famine passed, Zhang submitted a memorial to the emperor explaining his actions and asking for punishment. The imperial court, after reviewing the situation, chose not only to pardon him but also to commend his bravery and commitment to the people.
A silent sacrifice to save a life
Gao Fang served as a judicial officer under Zhang Cong’en, the military commander of Chanzhou. One day, a soldier named Duan Hongjin was caught stealing government-owned lumber to make furniture for himself. Furious, Zhang ordered the man’s execution.
In a desperate attempt to avoid death, Duan claimed: “Judge Gao told me to do it.” When Zhang summoned Gao to explain, Gao calmly took the blame — though he had nothing to do with the crime.
Zhang, perhaps unwilling to investigate further, gave Gao ten strings of coins and a horse — likely a quiet dismissal — and sent him away. Gao departed in silence, never revealing the truth or defending himself.
A year later, one of Zhang’s trusted aides confessed that Gao had falsely accepted guilt to save the soldier’s life. Deeply moved by this revelation, Zhang came to admire Gao’s selflessness and moral courage more than ever before.
Donating grain and shelter during disasters
A man named Sang Yi once encountered a massive flood while transporting two storehouses’ worth of grain by boat. Along the way, he came upon crowds of villagers fleeing the rising waters, starving and in distress.
Without hesitation, Sang gave away all the grain he had and used his boats to ferry people to safety. Thanks to his selfless act, many lives were saved.
In another year when famine struck again, Sang invited a group of hungry villagers to his home and fed them until every bit of food he had was gone.
Two magistrates and a forgotten daughter
During the Southern Tang Dynasty, a county magistrate named Zhongli had arranged for his daughter to marry the son of Magistrate Xu, who governed the neighboring county. As was customary, Magistrate Xu had already sent the bride-price — a traditional gift from the groom’s family to the bride’s family to formalize the engagement. Meanwhile, Zhongli was preparing his daughter’s dowry — the property and goods she would bring with her to her new household.
As part of these preparations, Zhongli purchased a maidservant to accompany his daughter after marriage. One day, the maid was sweeping the courtyard when she suddenly stopped in front of a shallow depression in the ground and began to cry. Seeing this, Zhongli asked what was wrong.
Tearfully, she explained: “When I was little, my father dug a shallow pit here for us to play in. Though many years have passed, this mark in the ground hasn’t changed.”
Startled, Zhongli asked who her father was. “He was the county magistrate two terms before you,” she said. “After he died, our family collapsed, and I was sold into servitude.”
Zhongli investigated her claim, speaking to local elders and the man who had sold her. He confirmed the story and was deeply moved.
Although he had already accepted the bride-price from Magistrate Xu, Zhongli wrote him a letter explaining the situation: “I recently discovered that the maid I purchased is actually the daughter of a former magistrate. I respect her background and pity her fate. It would be wrong to let her remain in such a degraded position. I plan to use my daughter’s dowry to arrange a marriage for her first. If you’re willing, I’ll prepare a new dowry next year and send my daughter to marry your son afterward.”
Xu responded with humility and magnanimity: “Zengzi, a disciple of Confucius, once said that virtue is not complete unless it is shared by others. Why should only you do what is right? I propose that my son marry the former magistrate’s daughter, and you may find a worthy husband for your own daughter in time.”
And so, the orphaned girl was freed from servitude and given a proper marriage, her honorable heritage recognized and dignity restored. Through mutual understanding and a shared sense of righteousness, the two magistrates turned a private engagement into an act of public virtue.
Fan Zhongyan returns a treasure not meant for him
As a young man, Fan Zhongyan — who would later become one of the most respected officials of the Song Dynasty — lived in poverty. He often stayed at the home of a Taoist alchemist and developed a close friendship with him.
One day, sensing his end was near, the alchemist summoned Fan to his side. “I have a rare recipe to turn mercury into silver,” he said. “My son is too young to understand it, so I’m entrusting it to you for safekeeping.” He sealed the recipe and a pound of refined silver and placed them in Fan’s care. Before Fan could refuse, the alchemist passed away.
More than 10 years later, Fan had risen to prominence in the imperial court. When the alchemist’s son came of age, Fan summoned him and said: “Your father had remarkable skills. He left me these things to safeguard until you were grown.” He then returned both the recipe and the silver, still sealed with the original markings.
A lasting legacy of integrity
These stories remind us that righteousness is not just about adhering to laws or customs — it’s about upholding moral responsibility, even at personal cost. Whether rescuing the starving, standing in for the condemned, or honoring past friendships, these individuals showed that true nobility lies in compassion, courage, and self-sacrifice.
Translated by Cecilia, edited by Amanda
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