I Ching Wisdom Book of Auspiciousness

Author: Ji Mingchun / Country:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Story Four: The "Harmony Without Compromise" of Yuchi Gong
In The Story of the Tang Dynasty, the renowned general Yuchi Gong was known as a brave warrior. However, in Tang history, he was also a respected figure for his principle of "harmony without compromise."
Once, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin was sitting idle during the day, playing chess with Tang Jian, the Minister of Personnel. Tang Jian was a straightforward man, not skilled at flattery and often boastful. When playing chess with the emperor, he used all his tricks—placing cannons, leaping horses—to defeat Li Shimin completely.
Enraged, Li Shimin recalled Tang Jian’s past insolence and could no longer restrain himself. He immediately ordered Tang Jian demoted to the post of Governor of Tanzhou. Later, Li Shimin grew increasingly dissatisfied with his decision and summoned Yuchi Gong, saying, "Tang Jian has shown such disrespect to me. I want to use him as a warning to the officials. However, I don’t have a specific charge yet. Go to his house once and see if he has any complaints about my decision. If he does, you can use that to sentence him to death!"
Yuchi Gong, upon hearing this, found the emperor’s method of trapping people far too harsh. The next day, when Li Shimin asked about Tang Jian’s situation, Yuchi Gong refused to answer and instead said, "Your Majesty, please consider this matter carefully. What should be done?" This enraged Li Shimin, who threw his jade tablet hard onto the ground and turned to leave. Seeing this, Yuchi Gong could only withdraw as well.
After returning, Li Shimin calmed down and realized he had acted unjustly. To save face, he hosted a grand banquet, inviting officials of the third rank, presiding over it himself and declaring, "I’ve invited you here today to commend Yuchi Gong’s integrity. Thanks to his advice, Tang Jian was saved from death, giving him a second chance at life. I, too, have avoided the crime of wrongful execution and have been shown to be a man who knows when to correct his mistakes. Yuchi Gong has also avoided the sin of lying to wrong someone and has earned the honor of loyalty and honesty. Yuchi Gong was rewarded with a thousand bolts of silk."
Li Shimin’s actions were, of course, primarily to demonstrate his "wisdom and justice." At the same time, he was deeply grateful to Yuchi Gong. If Yuchi Gong had truly followed the emperor’s instructions to frame Tang Jian for death, who knows whether Li Shimin would have later punished Yuchi Gong for his "wisdom and justice"?
Yuchi Gong’s principle of "harmony without compromise" in both small and big matters not only saved Tang Jian but also helped the emperor and, in the end, saved himself. The same applies to our interactions with friends, superiors, and colleagues. If we treat others sincerely, we should care for them, helping them overcome difficulties and weaknesses over time. Eventually, they will naturally understand our character and integrity.
In relationships, one should be humble, polite, and compassionate on non-principle issues, but remain clear-headed when it comes to right and wrong. One should oppose and correct injustice and wrongdoing; if unable to do so, at least avoid aiding such actions. If one knows someone is doing wrong but ignores it out of fear of being a parent, superior, or friend—that is a very selfish avoidance.
Sometimes, standing firm in one’s principles can involve risks and temporary grievances, leading to misunderstanding by others. However, this fair and just integrity will ultimately earn respect. Therefore, in interpersonal relationships, one must act appropriately—avoid forced connections, outright rejection, flattery for new favors, or compliance for superficial harmony. The way to handle relationships might be summed up in this couplet: "Bear great tolerance in your heart, stand firm in your principles." In other words, "A gentleman behaves with harmony without compromise"—small matters should be handled with harmony, but big matters require unwavering integrity.
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