Li Ying, a scholar and politician of the Eastern Han Dynasty, stood out as a remarkable leader at a time when corruption ran rampant. Known for his integrity and strict law enforcement, his presence alone was enough to send waves of fear through corrupt officials. His actions reshaped governance in his era and earned him the deep respect of the people and the court.
An official whose reputation preceded him
Coming from a family of officials, Li Ying had a strong foundation in governance. His grandfather, Li Xiu, had served as a Grand Commandant, while his father, Li Yi, was the Prime Minister of Zhao. Inspired by his family’s legacy, Li excelled in classical studies from a young age and was known for his intelligence and integrity. These traits propelled him through the ranks, earning him positions such as governor of Qingzhou and magistrate of Yuyang.
Li Ying’s tenure in Qingzhou was particularly memorable. Known as the most corrupt region in the country, Qingzhou’s 70 county magistrates were infamous for their greed and misconduct. Upon hearing of Li Ying’s appointment, all 70 magistrates fled their posts before he even arrived, fearing his reputation for uncompromising justice. This exodus allowed Li to replace them with a new cadre of honest officials, bringing order to a region long plagued by corruption.
Fearless in the face of power
Li Ying’s commitment to justice was unwavering, even when dealing with the powerful eunuchs who held sway over the emperor. One of his most notable cases involved Zhang Shuo, a county magistrate infamous for his tyranny. Reports flooded in about his cruelty, including one account of a pregnant woman he killed simply for not stepping aside quickly enough. Zhang Shuo, emboldened by his connection to his brother, the powerful eunuch Zhang Rang, had long evaded accountability—until Li Ying intervened.
Knowing Li’s reputation, Zhang Shuo fled to his brother’s home for protection. Confident in his power, Zhang Rang hid his brother in a secret compartment within a hollow pillar. Li Ying, however, suspected Zhang Shuo’s whereabouts and led a raid on Zhang Rang’s residence. Despite Zhang Rang’s protests, Li searched the premises and found Zhang Shuo hiding in the pillar. Zhang Shuo was arrested, tried, and executed for his crimes.
Zhang Rang, enraged by his brother’s execution, sought to discredit Li Ying by fabricating accusations against him. Emperor Ling, who favored the eunuchs, summoned Li Ying to answer for his actions. However, Li remained composed, citing ancient texts emphasizing the importance of upholding the law, even against powerful relatives. His defense persuaded the emperor, who dismissed Zhang Rang’s accusations. From that moment, the eunuchs, who had once acted with impunity, grew cautious and respectful in Li Ying’s presence.
Commanding respect on the battlefield
Li Ying’s influence extended beyond domestic governance. When the Xianbei tribe began raiding the northern borders, Emperor Huan appointed Li as General of Crossing the Liao. Leading from the front, Li launched decisive campaigns, repelling the invaders and recovering stolen property and captives. His victories inspired other tribes to surrender, restoring peace to the region for years. Li’s success on the battlefield cemented his reputation as a leader capable of maintaining order both within the empire and along its borders.
A legacy of integrity
What set Li Ying apart was his unyielding commitment to justice and his ability to lead by example. His incorruptibility struck fear into the hearts of wrongdoers, and his fairness earned him widespread admiration. Known as the “Model of the country,” he was revered by scholars and students, who saw even brief interactions with him as life-changing. His character, described as upright and broad-minded, allowed him to navigate the political challenges of his time with grace and resolve.
Despite facing false accusations and political exile multiple times, Li Ying remained steadfast in his dedication to the state. His life is a testament to the power of integrity and the enduring impact of principled leadership.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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