The following story of Xin Gongyi exemplifies the transformative impact of a “parental official” through education and reforming customs. The term “parental official” was a respectful title used by the common people in ancient China to refer to provincial or county officials. These officials were known for their dedication to the welfare of the people, demonstrated through acts such as improving irrigation systems, building dams, and punishing corrupt officials. The people deeply loved them, akin to how one loves their parents.
Xin Gongyi was the descendant of an intellectual family
Xin Gongyi (A.D. 553-614) was born during the Northern Dynasties period and came from a family of governors. His grandfather, Xin Hui, was a governor in the Northern Wei Dynasty, and his father, Xin Jiqing, was a governor in Qingzhou. Unfortunately, Xin Gongyi lost his father early in life, but his mother, who was a knowledgeable woman, taught him the classics of history and biography.
Xin Gongyi was a hardworking and knowledgeable scholar who became famous in the Northern Zhou Dynasty. As the son of a good family, he was selected to enter the Imperial College and then recommended to enter the Ganlu Academy, which was exclusively for princes and children from nobility. Their peers in the Imperial College admired his learning, and he repeatedly spoke with great scholars in front of the imperial court, often impressing them with his insights.
When Xin Gongyi joined the Sui Dynasty, he was appointed to pacify and harmonize the border region of Jiangling. Known for his wisdom and courage, Xin Gongyi played a significant role in the conquest of the Chen Dynasty and was subsequently appointed as the regional governor of Minzhou.
The custom of escaping from diseases
At that time, people in Minzhou were not yet educated and were very afraid of illness. If one member of the family was sick, the whole family would move away, and the result was that neither fathers nor sons nor husbands nor wives would take care of each other, and those who were sick often died.
Xin Gongyi was deeply troubled by this custom and even more concerned about the erosion of human ethics and filial piety, so he made great efforts to reform this harmful practice. He dispatched officials to inspect various parts of the province and bring the sick to his office. There, he set up a makeshift hospital, providing food and accommodation for the patients.
During a severe summer epidemic, hundreds of patients filled the hospital. Undeterred, Xin Gongyi set up a couch in the hospital, working day and night among the patients, using his salary to buy medicine and hire doctors. His personal care and dedication ensured that all the patients recovered.
An official who educated his people like a parent
Once the patients recovered, Xin Gongyi summoned their relatives and explained to them: “Life and death are determined by Heaven. Previously, your relatives died because you abandoned them out of fear of the disease. But look, I have gathered the sick together, and I myself am with them day and night while remaining healthy. Now, they are all well. You must not practice the custom of escaping from illness any longer.”
The family members of the sick were all ashamed, and they bowed and left. From then on, when someone fell ill, they sought help from their “parental official,” Xin Gongyi, who cared for those without families. The people of Minzhou began to love and care for each other, and the custom of abandoning the sick was wholly eradicated.
Translated by Audrey Wang, edited by Jessica Kneipp
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