In the car

Author: (Qing) Xu Feng'en
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: An old man in Hangzhou, Hangzhou's rich man, as wealthy as nobles but childless. He had many concubines but no heir. The old man, already past his prime, reflected that without an heir, what use was wealth? He vowed to do good deeds and sought no recognition. After a year, one concubine finally gave birth to a son, handsome and well-featured. The celebrators called him a fine specimen, and the old man's heart was greatly comforted. When the child was seven, he started school and was exceptionally diligent, beloved by the entire family. Soon, however, the child developed seven sores around his lips, excruciatingly painful, and the condition grew dire. All skilled physicians were summoned to his home, and the old man posted a notice: "If the child recovers, I will reward with three thousand taels of silver." The doctors, lured by the reward, discussed treatment plans but ultimately failed. The sores worsened daily, and the child could not even drink water. The doctors declared the sores incurable due to their toxicity, having never seen such a condition in ancient texts. They all apologized in vain and left. The old man, desperate, led his concubines to weep by the bedside. The child was near death, and they could only wait for him to pass. Suddenly, a beggar appeared at the door, pestering them relentlessly. The gatekeeper scolded her for disturbing the master, who was critically ill. Hearing this, the old man rebuked the gatekeeper and generously gave to the beggar. The beggar clasped her hands in gratitude and, noticing the old man's kindness, inquired about the child's illness. She revealed, "My daughter also suffered from this when young. She met a strange person who called it 'Seven Stars Gathering Moon,' a dangerous condition. If a child under twelve eats a hundred earthworms and applies them as a paste, it can be cured. I tried it, and it worked. Later, I shared this method with others, and it always succeeded. Now that your son has met me, it must be fate. I dare to celebrate for you." Overjoyed, the old man followed her advice and posted a reward. Many parents offered earthworms to seek the reward. When applied, the child recovered. Earlier, the old man had heard the beggar's story and spread it among the people. When he went to invite her, he found her gone, but the gifts he had given remained. Some said the old man, who was devout to the Bodhisattva Guanyin of the Lotus Temple, was the Bodhisattva's incarnation to reward the virtuous. The child later became a successful scholar at the age of twenty, served his parents without seeking office, and had five sons, all of whom became scholars and achieved fame. To this day, his family continues to pass the imperial examinations, still maintaining wealth.
A local chronicler writes: The old man, already past his prime, suddenly reflected that without an heir, what use was wealth? Was it not the heavens that opened his heart? It was difficult to vow to do good deeds; it was even harder not to seek recognition. He had always intended to give without expecting reward, and the heavens surely rewarded him. How could the heavens, vast and compassionate, ever slight a person in the slightest? Seeing this, one must realize that the saying "the rich lack compassion" is merely the words of Yang Hu. And all the wealthy in the world, hearing of this old man's deeds, might be inspired.
Lǐ Fēng Gōng, our Anhui Hefei Lǐ Yùquán Fēngwēng Wén'ān, was a jinshi in the Daoguang Fèishū examination. He was deeply devoted to nature and lived as a true gentleman. As a prison officer in the Ministry of Justice, he followed the rule of giving each prisoner a small scoop of food per meal. He ensured the scoops were full, tasting both cooked and uncooked food himself. He also donated rice to make porridge for the evening meal. Later, when new prisoners arrived, an epidemic broke out in the prison. He earnestly prayed to the gods and managed to cure all the sick prisoners. He also prepared medicines in advance to address emergencies. In summer, he donated fans; each autumn, the various departments donated cotton coats, but he added twelve cotton quilts to each, for the sick to sweat and recover. Such good deeds were innumerable. He wrote two works, "Yúquán" and "Bìzhuo," with the upper volume "Guan Yuán Jìshì" and the lower volume "Cūn Jū Zájǐng," each recording a poem of seven lines for every event. I often selected poems from his "Yúquán Jìshì," which not only preserved historical records but also inspired future generations to follow his example, leaving a profound legacy. His compassion and kindness, promoting life and nurturing the people, were truly reflected in his heart.
A local chronicler writes: I once heard from the Grand Secretary Shāo Shànfǔ of Xiaoshan that being truthful and practical in all matters is the essence of being a sage or a worthy. Observing Lǐ Fēngwēng's actions as a prison officer, one truly sees this principle in practice. From this, one can infer his daily thoughts and actions. It seems his family will continue to flourish in high positions, and his success is undeniable.
Yè Fēngwēng, our county's Yè Fēngwēng Fèngkuí, was filial, friendly, generous, and charitable. His mother suffered from a chronic illness, and he personally served her medicine for five years without fail. When his younger brother traveled to the northern frontier, he wore simple clothes and rode a horse to find him, greeting him warmly with joy. His older brother served in Sichuan but had no heir, leaving only a daughter. After his death, the family wealth was sufficient, and he gave it all to his daughter. Some suggested keeping a little for her return journey, but he refused: "My sister is dear to me; how can I spare a few coins and hurt our family bond?" He generously helped his poor relatives and friends, often lending money to meet urgent needs. As a result, he accumulated debts of a thousand taels, with IOUs filling his small box. People willingly bore his debts, and he burned them. In his prime, he was detained in Zhenjiang and saw a young man on a neighboring boat, his face grim, drinking from a bowl with tears. Upon inquiry, the man cried, "My mother is in Suzhou. I borrowed a few coins from a relative and was robbed on the road. I can only commit suicide." The old man snatched the bowl and threw it into the river, inviting the man to return with him and raising funds to send him home. He was always tireless in his charity, with many similar deeds. Today, his eldest son Shùnán is a county magistrate in Hubei; his second Yùtóng is a jinshi in the Ministry of Personnel; his third Shùtáng is a selected teaching officer; his fourth Zhànyuán is a vice jinshi in the Xinhou year; his fifth Yùróng is a jinshi in the Gongbu Department. I once traveled to Sichuan, and he treated me like his own son. I also interacted with his sons as brothers, so I heard many stories of his virtuous deeds.
A local chronicler writes: Yè Fēngwēng was loyal and kind, never hesitating to lend money to help those in need. His small box was always full of IOUs, and he never pursued those who failed to repay. Thus, he lived in Sichuan for decades, accumulating many burdens. When I traveled to Sichuan, he often discussed the deeds of his predecessors, speaking engagingly without tiring. Truly, he was a model of virtue. These excerpts from the Ministry of Personnel's account of his deeds reveal his character and treatment of others.
Huáng Qín Mǐn Gōng, from Dangtu in the Qianlong era, was named Tiányuè. When he entered the examination hall, he noticed a young woman frequently peering outside his door. He wondered why women were not allowed in the examination hall. He sat motionless to observe. As the evening bell rang, the woman visited more often, appearing hesitant to enter. The old man, bold and daring, approached her and found it was indeed a young woman, disheveled but beautiful, with an angry expression. Knowing she was not human, he shouted, "Where is this demon? What do you want here?" The woman clasped her hands and frowned, saying, "I bear a deep grievance and seek justice from the heavens. I have come to find a certain student in this hall to take his life. Please, Sir, show mercy and do not block my way!" The old man thought the student was his fellow townsman and feared for his life if he let the woman go. Also, since she called him "Sir," his courage grew. He said to her, "This student is my friend. What have you done to him? Please speak." The woman hesitated, "I am from the surname of the man whose land my father rents. He often visited my home to collect rent, making inappropriate advances. When the student lost his wife, he swore by heaven to marry me as his concubine and never to betray me. I believed him and reluctantly followed him a year ago. I urged him to arrange a marriage, but he only made empty promises. When I became pregnant, I pressed him again, but he disappeared and married someone else, leaving me out of consideration. Soon, I will give birth, and my father has learned the truth and gone to inform the student. He refuses to admit it. My father cursed him, and I, though ill, went to his door to confront him. He warned the gatekeeper not to let me in. I had no choice but to hang myself." The woman wept and recounted her story, saying, "Who is without feelings? Such a heartless man must be avenged!" The old man said, "Your words are just, but grievances should be resolved, not carried. The student is indeed unfaithful, and you have every right to resent him. But since he is my friend, I cannot stand by idly. I have devised a fair solution that will satisfy you. Will you agree?" The woman bowed her head and thought for a long time, saying, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam, and formally adopt her as his concubine. Her bones should be returned for burial, and she should be recognized as his legal wife. The child she had with the other woman should be considered hers. If the student achieved fame, she should be the first to receive an imperial decree. He also requested high-ranking monks and Taoists to chant sutras for her soul's liberation. This would somewhat ease her grievances. The woman said, "I will follow your command, but I fear I am merely gambling with a heartless man!" The old man then called the student. Seeing the woman, he nearly died. The old man first listed the student's faults, then explained his plan: the student should write a bond promising to apologize to her father, visit him after the exam，