In a prosperous city, there was a wealthy family that had experienced the early deaths of husbands for three generations, leaving the widowed wives to rely on each other for support. Among them, the youngest daughter-in-law was pregnant with a posthumous child, hoping to continue the family line.
Stepping forward to protect virtue
During the Qingming Festival, the family visited the ancestral graves, leaving the pregnant daughter-in-law at home under the care of an elderly maid. That evening, a man named Jia, who lived alone and made his living as a thief, learned the household was unattended and decided to sneak in under the cover of darkness. Waiting for his chance, Jia hid in a corner as the young woman and the maid were securing the house for the night.
Unexpectedly, a young man entered the house, well-dressed but with suspicious intent. Jia watched as the intruder grabbed the desperately struggling pregnant woman and threatened her with a knife, demanding she submit to his advances. Overcome with rage, Jia forgot his original purpose and leaped out of his hiding place. He struck and disarmed the attacker, leaving him incapacitated.
Jia immediately raised the alarm, calling for help and turning the young man over to the authorities. The attacker and the negligent maid were punished, and the daughter-in-law’s chastity was preserved. Jia, hailed as a hero, was pardoned for his courage and released.
A dream of fortune
Despite his moment of righteousness, Jia soon returned to his life as a thief. One day, fleeing an angry mob, he sought refuge in an abandoned temple. In his desperation, he knocked over a clay statue of a deity. To his astonishment, the fallen statue came to life, appearing as a fearsome red-haired figure wielding a blade. The deity scolded Jia for his disrespect and prepared to strike him down.
But a solemn voice intervened, proclaiming: “This man once saved a virtuous woman and preserved her family’s lineage. His act of great merit has earned him heavenly blessings. Don’t you dare harm him!” The deity figure was dispelled, and Jia was told that great fortune awaited him on the steps. Jia awoke from what seemed like a dream, and the great fortune spoken of? All he found was a coin on the steps.
A twist of fate
Jia used the coin to buy a small meal in the next village. While eating, he noticed that an elderly man, who was sitting next to him, left behind a pouch. When Jia looked inside, he discovered gold and silver ingots, silver coins, and accounting books detailing significant debts owed to the man. “Could this be the great fortune awaiting me?” Jia wondered. Despite the temptation, Jia knew that the old man could not collect the debts without the accounting books, so he decided to wait for the owner’s return.
When the old man came back, sweating and frantic, Jia returned the pouch without hesitation. Touched by Jia’s honesty, the man invited him home and revealed he was a wealthy merchant dealing in lumber. He offered Jia 1,000 gold coins as a reward, but Jia declined.
The old man inquired about Jia’s background and recognized him as the chivalrous thief who saved a pregnant woman from harm. Learning of Jia’s difficult past and reputation for righteous bravery, the old man saw potential in him. “I have no heir,” he said, “and I’ve been searching for someone trustworthy to carry on my legacy. Would you join me? You will have food, clothing, and security — a far better life than thievery.”
Eager to change his life’s path and livelihood, Jia accepted the proposal, proving himself diligent and trustworthy in managing the merchant’s business. Over time, the old man formally adopted Jia as his son, and Jia inherited the vast fortune after his benefactor’s death.
This story reminds us that no matter how small, virtuous deeds can ripple through one’s destiny, opening doors to blessings and transformation. The once-lonely thief transformed into a respected and prosperous family patriarch, with his descendants thriving for generations.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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