In many cultures, tales of moral integrity underscore the belief that virtuous behavior is often rewarded with future prosperity and success. These stories, drawn from historical anecdotes and folklore, serve as timeless reminders that maintaining your principles in the face of temptation can lead to blessings that extend beyond just you, benefiting future generations. The following accounts illustrate how individuals who upheld their moral integrity were rewarded with not only personal success, but also a lasting legacy for their descendants.
Integrity protects and brings prosperity for generations
Yao Sanjiu, originally surnamed Bian, was well-versed in literature and poetry. While teaching in the household of the Huai family, Huai’s daughter often tried to attract his attention, but he steadfastly ignored her advances. One day, while sun-drying his shoes in the courtyard, the young woman slipped a letter into one of them. After reading the letter, Bian made an excuse to resign and returned to his hometown.
Yuan Yixing wrote a poem praising him for his imperviousness to temptation. In response, Bian wrote back vehemently denying any misconduct, expressing his desire to protect the young woman’s reputation. Touched by his response, Yuan sealed his reply with the words: “Such profound integrity, his descendants shall surely thrive.” Indeed, Bian’s son and great-grandson both became distinguished scholars, a testament to the blessings of upholding others’ virtue.
A test of character
In the town of Taicang, Lu Gong, known for his handsome appearance and demeanor, traveled to Nanjing for exams during the third year of the Tianshun era of the Ming Dynasty. One night, the daughter of his innkeeper boldly proposed to share his bed. Feigning illness, Lu promised to meet her later, dissuading her for the time being.
After she left, he penned a poem reflecting his commitment to integrity: “The night air crisp, the moonlight clear, a lady comes to peep, amused as I read; Wishing to share a heartfelt word, but my loyalty was pledged ten years before.” The next morning, he hastily left the inn. That autumn, he successfully placed on the imperial examination list.
Before this achievement, Lu’s father had a troubling dream: he saw the county magistrate bring a plaque with the words “Moon White, Wind Clear” inscribed on it, accompanied by a ceremonial procession. Mistaking this as an omen of his own impending death, he wrote a farewell letter to Lu, which left Lu feeling highly anxious. Nevertheless, this dream was not a harbinger of doom, but a symbolic foretelling of Lu’s forthcoming academic success and distinguished career in government.
Divine reward for moral fortitude
In Songjiang, Mr. Cao, while staying at an inn for exams, was unexpectedly approached by a woman seeking to spend the night with him. Disturbed, he quickly relocated to another inn to avoid the situation.
On his way, he encountered a procession entering an ancient temple and decided to eavesdrop from outside. To his astonishment, he overheard the celestial beings discussing the exam results. When they reached a name associated with recent immoral behavior, it was declared void. The deity then proclaimed: “Let it be Mr. Cao from Songjiang, who resisted temptation and maintained his integrity.” Overjoyed yet skeptical, Mr. Cao later found his name indeed listed sixth on the exam results.
These tales suggest that opportunities arriving too easily may not always be gifts from the heavens; sometimes, they are tests from above. Those who uphold their principles and resist such temptations are often rewarded with not just success, but a legacy of virtue.
Translated by Joseph Wu, edited by Maria
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