Han Yanshou, a notable local governor from the Western Han Dynasty, deeply believed in ruling through benevolence and respect for traditional values. As the governor of Huaiyang, he gained a reputation for promoting kindness and justice. His success soon led the court to assign him to Yingchuan, a region notorious for its challenging political environment and powerful local factions. The position was known to be difficult, requiring strong leadership to keep peace among the people and control lingering unrest.
Upon his arrival, Han Yanshou recognized the need for a new approach. Rather than enforcing strict punishment, he encouraged respect and civility through rituals, education, and communal values. By praising acts of filial piety and hosting community events, Han sought to build harmony among his citizens and reduce conflicts.
Creating harmony through cultural revival
In Yingchuan, Han expanded his focus on promoting ancient rituals and traditional music, aiming to instill values that would minimize the need for harsh penalties. His strategy of moral guidance over legal retribution proved highly effective. Under Han’s governance, “officials no longer had to chase after wrongdoers, and people lived without the fear of severe punishment,” as historical records noted. His achievements starkly contrasted the harsh governance methods of the past.
Personal accountability and moral influence
Han Yanshou’s principles extended to his treatment of his own subordinates. He did not respond with anger or punishment when he learned that some of his officials had engaged in corrupt practices. Instead, he gathered them and openly expressed remorse, questioning if he had failed them in some way. His sincere self-reflection made a profound impact. Some guilty officials felt so moved and ashamed that they considered extreme acts of atonement, with one county official even attempting to take his own life out of guilt. Han responded compassionately, ensuring the official received medical care and exempting him from further labor responsibilities.
Demonstrating values through action
Han Yanshou’s commitment to his principles was most evident when he mediated a dispute between two brothers over family property. During his annual inspection tour, he encountered the brothers in Gaoling County, where their argument had escalated to near-violence. Deeply disheartened, Han viewed this incident as a test of his dedication to promoting virtue. After a moment of reflection, he addressed the crowd, expressing disappointment in his failure to guide his people effectively, which he believed had contributed to this conflict. He announced his decision to step down temporarily to reflect on his actions, taking to his bed in a guesthouse and isolating himself from all affairs.
His actions had an immediate effect. Feeling profound shame, local officials confined themselves in jail as a form of self-punishment, and the brothers, struck with remorse, begged for forgiveness, pledging to give the land to each other in mutual concession.
A lasting impact of benevolent governance
Witnessing the positive transformation, Han Yanshou reopened the guesthouse and invited local officials and the two brothers to celebrate their reconciliation. He commended their newfound harmony and encouraged officials to uphold these values. Under his guidance, all 24 counties under his administration flourished with a spirit of humility and civility, and disputes and crime declined sharply.
Translated by Joseph Wu
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
