In the town of Fengqiao, Suzhou, known for its bustling merchants and grain ships, an ancient temple stood at the edge of the village. A beggar named Qu lived there, suffering from paralysis in his legs, which made walking difficult. Each day, he would leave early and return late, begging only in the vicinity of Fengqiao.
A surprising find
Qu discovered a bowl full of silver taels in a corner one morning. He thought: “This must belong to a passing traveler. I am a person of misfortune; how could I enjoy such wealth? Moreover, I don’t know what the owner does. Losing this money might even endanger his life!”
Qu returned to the temple and waited for the owner. By noon, a man came running, visibly distressed. Qu asked: “Did you lose something?” The man replied: “Yes, did you find it?” Qu said: “I did, but you must describe it accurately to get it back.” The overjoyed man described the silver pieces, their total, the quality, and the bowl, all of which matched perfectly. Qu handed over the bowl, and the man, delighted, offered half as a reward.
A selfless act
Qu laughed and said: “Aren’t you a bit foolish? Why would I covet half if I didn’t keep all your silver? Besides, you might not accomplish your task if you’re missing half. Please leave quickly, and don’t delay my begging!” Having no choice, the man insisted on giving Qu 10 taels of silver before leaving.
As Qu reached the street corner, he saw a charming young girl crying beside her father, surrounded by onlookers. Qu asked what was happening, and someone explained: “Debt collectors from the Cao family want to take the girl to repay a debt, hence the crying.” Qu asked: “How much is owed?” They replied: “Ten taels of silver.” Enraged, Qu exclaimed: “Such usury and cruelty! If it were taxes owed to the government, what then? Besides, ten taels is a small amount. Why be so cruel for a few lousy coins?”
Standing up to injustice
The overhearing creditor was furious and insulted Qu, saying: “A wretch like you, starving and abandoned, dare to speak of benevolence? Can you pay their debt?” Qu immediately took out the 10 taels the traveler gave him and paid the debt, retrieving the contract, and the crowd dispersed.
The creditor, intending to seize the girl and not caring about the money, was furious at Qu for ruining his plan. He bribed local officials to accuse Qu of theft, having him locked up and sent to the authorities. The county magistrate, Chen, suspected Qu was wronged. The traveler who lost the silver heard of this and rushed to the county office to testify on Qu’s behalf.
Magistrate Chen, pleased, declared: “This is a beggar of integrity!” He punished the creditor and the corrupt officials according to the law for false accusations. He also summoned the grain shop owners in Fengqiao, announcing: “The rice samples you collect daily must be given to this righteous beggar to spare him from begging.”
A new beginning
The magistrate adorned Qu with a colorful sash and sent him home in a sedan chair. From then on, Qu received a stone of rice daily. With the extra money, he gradually sought treatment from renowned doctors. He met a Taoist who gave him herbs like dried lotus petals and thatch grass to soak his feet. His foot ailment healed in just a few days, and he walked like an ordinary person. Within 10 years, he bought a large house, married, and became wealthy.
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