In the final years of the Qing Dynasty, a humble man named Han Weng lived in Huating County. Although he came from a poor background, Han ran a modest shop west of Xiuyie Bridge, which allowed him to support his family. He lived simply, but with kindness and integrity.
A stranger at the door on a snowy night
One year, just before the Lunar New Year, a cold storm of rain and snow swept through the area. Han had just finished his work for the day and was preparing to go to bed when he heard the sound of the door knocker, followed by a soft sigh. Lighting a candle, he opened the door to find a man shivering by the doorstep with a bundle beside him.
“Who are you?” Han asked.
The man replied: “I’m a clerk from a trading firm in Shanghai. I was delayed collecting debts and missed the last boat back. With no inn to stay in, I have no choice but to sleep under the eaves until morning.”
Han was taken aback. “Since you’ve returned from collecting debts, you must be carrying money. How can you spend the night outside in this cold? Though my home is humble, it will shield you from the wind and snow.” He invited the stranger in, gave him a dry set of New Year’s clothes he had prepared for himself, and laid out a warm meal with wine to help him recover from the cold.
Although the two were complete strangers, Han treated his guest with genuine hospitality, even making up a bed for him. The traveler was deeply moved and thanked him repeatedly.
A generous offer and an unexpected investment
By morning, the snow had worsened, and boats still weren’t operating. Han insisted the guest stay longer and continued to treat him with warmth and generosity as the holiday approached. That evening, the man said to Han: “I’m so grateful for your kindness, but I have no way to repay you. I’ve heard that rice in Huating County is cheap and sells for a good price in Shanghai. I still have some silver left over from collecting debts. If you’re willing, I can lend you three hundred taels to start a small rice business.”
Han firmly refused, not wanting to take advantage. The guest could only nod in understanding.
The next day, the snow stopped. Han hired a boat for the traveler and personally saw him off. Just as the ropes were being cast off, the man called out: “The three hundred taels I mentioned are already under your bed. Please keep them safe. I’ll be waiting for you at my firm next year during the Lantern Festival.”
Han was stunned and rushed home to look. Sure enough, the silver was there. With no way to return it, he used the funds as instructed — buying rice and transporting it to Shanghai.
Honor repaid with opportunity
When Han arrived at the firm, the clerk happened to be stepping outside. Clapping his hands with delight, he said: “You really came! I knew you were a man of your word.”
The clerk took Han inside and introduced him to the company’s owner. “This is the gentleman I met last year in Huating County. He has brought the rice.”
The owner bowed in thanks. “My clerk was going to sleep outside with a large sum of money. If you hadn’t helped him, he could’ve been in grave danger. Now you’ve arrived as promised, without trying to profit from it yourself. You are a rare man in today’s world.”
A feast was held in Han’s honor, and he was treated like a valued guest. Afterward, the owner invited Han to stay several more days and sent the clerk to accompany him as he toured Shanghai. Han enjoyed the city, and the two became close friends.
(Image: via ChatGPT 4o)
A few days later, another banquet was held. The owner said: “The rice has been sold, and the profits are quite good. I’d like to lend you more silver so you can help with further shipments. We’ll split the profits equally.” He handed Han a heavy silver ingot. “This is your share from the rice.”
Han tried to decline, but the owner insisted. Accepting it at last, Han said: “Thank you for your trust. I will certainly do my best. But I have one request.”
The owner replied: “Please, go ahead.”
Han said: “I’ve heard that those who do good will prosper. I’d like to use part of my profits to help those in need. But since I come from a poor background and this silver is from you, I feel I should ask for your permission first.”
The owner was deeply moved by Han’s selfless heart and agreed immediately. He then offered Han 2,000 taels of silver to support his charitable goals.
A treasure beneath the plum tree
From then on, Han worked diligently in the rice trade and remained committed to helping the poor. Strangely enough, despite often giving away much of his profit, his business never suffered — every shipment brought a generous return.
Years later, the Han family had grown wealthy. Han purchased a residence near Xiunan Bridge. As he was cleaning the old home to prepare for moving in, he found a stack of old papers on a table and began burning them as waste. Among them, he noticed a small booklet that read: “If you need money, go to the plum tree.”
Perplexed, Han looked around the courtyard, but did not see a plum tree. Assuming it was a joke, he paid it no mind. Since the staircase in the old house had rotted, workers were dismantling it for repairs. While cleaning near the base of the stairs, Han suddenly saw a painting on the wall — an image of a plum tree, its blossoms seeming to sway in the wind.
He immediately remembered the booklet’s words. That night, he and his family lit lamps and pried open the floor beneath the painted tree. There, beneath a stone slab, they discovered four large clay jars — each one filled with gold and silver.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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