From birth, the threads of a person’s destiny are delicately woven by divine hands. It is said that nothing in this vast universe occurs by chance — not even the words of fortune-tellers or the lines on one’s palm. Yet, destiny is not a rigid path. While some aspects may be set in motion by unseen forces, choices must always be made. And perhaps, within the grand design, the divine has crafted countless alternate futures, waiting patiently for the decisions that will lead them to fruition.
Sparing lives to cultivate blessings
General Cao Bin was a revered figure during the Song Dynasty, and he was celebrated for his crucial role in helping Emperor Song Taizu unite the nation. One day, fate brought him to meet the renowned sage Chen Tuan, a master of physiognomy. This practice interprets the features of a person’s face and body to understand their character, fortune, and destiny.
Known for his deep understanding of this ancient art, Chen Tuan observed Cao Bin closely before speaking with quiet certainty: “You are destined for wealth and power in your youth, but you will find no blessings in your later years. In battle, show mercy. Sparing lives may bring you the blessings you need in old age.”
The sage’s words struck a chord with Cao Bin, who reflected deeply on his advice. It was a lesson not just in strategy, but in humanity — an understanding that the true strength of a general lies not only in the power to conquer, but in the wisdom to show mercy.
Cao Bin chose to embrace the sage’s counsel, altering the course of his leadership. As he commanded his forces, he exercised restraint, sparing enemies’ lives when victory seemed inevitable, cultivating a deeper understanding of compassion, hoping that this mercy would shape his later years.
Choosing mercy over conquest
During a campaign to capture the city of Taiyuan, General Cao Bin and his comrade, General Pan Mei, found themselves at the edge of victory. The city was on the brink of falling, its defenders weary, but Cao Bin, guided by his sense of mercy, ordered a retreat. He refused to allow unnecessary bloodshed. Pan Mei, eager to secure a decisive victory, urged him to press forward and take the city while they could. But Cao Bin, resolute in his decision, stood firm.
Upon returning to the capital, Cao Bin was summoned to explain his actions. When questioned about his choice to pull back, he calmly responded: “Even when His Majesty personally led the army, the city could not be taken. If we were to succeed where the Emperor could not, it might bring misfortune upon us. Rather than shedding blood, we should let time work in our favor — the city will eventually surrender.”
Emperor Song Taizu, intrigued, asked for more details. Cao Bin respectfully answered: “Your Majesty, with your divine wisdom and strength, the city stood unconquered. How could mere ministers achieve what you could not?” His answer was measured and wise, reflecting humility, respect, and clarity.
The Emperor, moved by his reasoning, accepted the decision. The city would eventually surrender without further loss of life, and a massacre was avoided. Cao Bin’s choice of mercy over conquest spared countless lives and proved his understanding of the delicate balance between victory and compassion.
Leading with compassion
In another campaign, Cao Bin’s forces successfully captured the city of Suining. His subordinates, eager for plunder, suggested raiding the city, but Cao Bin immediately prohibited such actions. He was resolute in his belief that victory should not come at the expense of the innocent.
When enemy women were captured during the battle, he ordered that they be treated with the utmost respect, forbidding any misconduct. Once the fighting had ceased, Cao Bin ensured that women with families were sent home with provisions. He arranged marriages with dignity for those without families, always prioritizing their well-being. The people of Suining, deeply moved by his compassion, praised him for his benevolence and fairness.
Later, when tasked with leading an invasion of Jiangnan, Cao Bin took an unusual step to avoid unnecessary bloodshed — he feigned illness. As generals visited him, he declared: “My illness cannot be cured by medicine. But if each of you swears to spare the people of Jiangnan once the region is conquered, I will recover.” His words were filled with sincerity and a deep concern for the lives of those who stood in his path.
Touched by his resolve, the generals swore to avoid senseless killing. Their commitment to Cao Bin’s compassionate leadership soon bore fruit. When the Song forces arrived in Jiangnan, they were greeted not with resistance, but with offerings of food and drink from the people, who had come to recognize the mercy in Cao Bin’s approach.
The region was pacified without violence, and countless lives were spared. Cao Bin’s leadership, marked by compassion and wisdom, secured military victories and earned him the loyalty and admiration of the people he sought to protect.
Transformation through virtue
After his triumphs, Cao Bin encountered the sage Chen Tuan once more. After studying Cao Bin closely, the sage remarked: “Years ago, I saw in your features a lack of blessings in your old age. But now, your appearance has transformed — golden light shines from your face. This signifies accumulated virtue, which extends your lifespan and brings immeasurable blessings.”
Intrigued, Cao Bin asked: “What is this golden light?” Chen Tuan explained: “It is the light of virtue. Only those who cultivate great virtue radiate this light. It not only prolongs life but also ensures prosperity for future generations.”
True to the sage’s words, Cao Bin enjoyed a peaceful old age, passing away at the age of 69. He was posthumously honored as the Duke of Jiyang, and his legacy lived on through his nine sons, who flourished in their own right. Three of his sons became distinguished generals, while others were granted noble titles. His descendants thrived for generations, a testament to the blessings born from the compassion and virtue Cao Bin practiced throughout his life.
This story reminds us that while destiny may offer guidance, our actions and choices shape our true legacy. Compassion, mercy, and virtue not only influence our present but illuminate a brighter path for the future, blessing not only ourselves but the generations that follow.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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