Stories from Ancient China: Upholding One’s Principles

(Minghui.org) Being a good person and upholding one’s principles is easier said than done. For example, some government officials may say or do things they shouldn’t to please their superiors and thereby gain personally.

Here are two stories about people in ancient China who followed their conscience, even in the face of pressure.

Honesty and Integrity

Wang Dun and Wen Jiao supported Emperor Yuan in the Jin Dynasty and were rewarded according: Wang was given the rank of military general, and Wen Jiao was given a rank lower than Wang. They were to support Prince Sima Shao (who later became Emperor Ming of Jin). Shishuo Xinyu (A New Account of the Tales of the World) documents a story about Wang and Wen.

At that time, Wang rebelled and planned to invade the capital with an army. He had a feast and invited high officials as he plotted to depose the prince. Because the Prince was known for his intelligence and abilities, Wang planned to depose him by accusing him of not having filial piety. During the feast, he said many things against the prince, claiming the information was from Wen, who used to be the prince’s aide.

When Wen arrived at the feast, Wang put on a stern face and asked, “What do you think of the prince?” “I am a lower-ranking official and am not qualified to comment on a gentleman,” Wen replied.

Annoyed that Wen was not cooperating with his plan, Wang said, “Do you think the prince has any good qualities?” “The prince is knowledgeable and capable, and I dare not comment on him,” Wen responded. “But one thing I do want to say is that he respects his parents and demonstrates his filial piety.”

The Prince later became Emperor Ming. With the help of Wen and other officials, Emperor Ming ended the rebellion. After Emperor Ming passed away, others recommended Wen as the leading official to help Emperor Ming’s firstborn son, who was the emperor and only four years old at the time, to rule the country. Wen was very modest and shared the task with others.

An Officer with Dignity

Shishuo Xinyu also tells a story about Sima Jiong and Ji Shao. Because he’d helped Emperor Hui of Jin to get the throne, Sima was appointed as the highest military official. But he was obsessed with power and indulged in both wine and women. Ji, however, was a renowned scholar and official known for his upright character.

When Ji was a palace attendant, he visited Sima on government matters. Sima arranged a feast and also invited other officials, such as Ge Yu and Dong Ai, to discuss the matter. Ge told Sima that Ji was good at playing music and brought along a musical instrument.

When Ji refused to play, Sima asked why. Ji explained: “You are a high official in the royal court, and everyone looks to you to set a good example. Although my rank is low, I am a palace attendant who serves the emperor. If I play music like this, it would be a disgrace to my title. But if you insist, I can change these fine clothes and put on everyday clothing and play for you.” This embarrassed Ge and the others and they left.

Later on, Ji lost his life while protecting the emperor. Because of his noble character, he was praised by subsequent emperors.

Moral values are very important for the good of society. But people sometimes forget them in the face of pressure and the lure of personal interests. This is especially the case in today’s China due to the influence of the communist doctrine over the past several decades.