The ancients often said, "Filial piety is the foundation of morality." This is a fundamental truth for personal conduct and governance, as well as a prerequisite for national prosperity! The founding emperor led by example, changed the social atmosphere, abolished bad customs, and promoted filial piety. Whenever issuing decrees, he emphasized the recognition of filial sons. However, those simple, kind-hearted people who seek no fame often perform acts of filial piety quietly, remaining largely unknown. Now I am collecting and organizing the deeds of filial sons to supplement any omissions.
This is the story of Teng Tangong, a boy from Nanchang. When he was five years old, his mother, Mrs. Yang, fell ill with a fever and craved bitter melon, but it wasn't available in their area. Tangong searched everywhere but could not find any, feeling very sad. At this time, he happened to meet a monk and told him about the situation. The monk said, "I have two bitter melons; I'll give you one." Tangong thanked the monk and took the bitter melon home for his mother. The whole family was very surprised. Later, when they wanted to find the monk again, they could not find him. After his parents passed away, Tangong did not eat or drink for more than ten days, suffering from excessive grief, vomiting blood and fainting, only waking up after a while. In the dead of winter, he did not wear cotton clothes and remained vegetarian for life. On his parents' death anniversaries, the overwhelming grief for his parents drove him to tears day and night. In front of his house stood two trees that retained their leaves even in winter. Sometimes a mysterious light would suddenly emanate from the trees, followed by the appearance of Buddha statues and attendants, their radiant light filling the house. Tangong and his whole family knelt and worshiped together until the apparitions disappeared. People in the neighborhood started talking about this incident. Magistrate Wang Sengqian wanted to appoint Tangong as an assistant, but he respectfully declined. At that time, Wang Jian followed Sengdu in the county and praised Tangong as the Ceng Shen of Tengguo (known for filial piety). In the first year of Tianjian, Lu Lin was tasked with inspecting local customs and reported Tangong's deeds to the court. Tangong had three sons, each of whom was very filial.
Let’s talk about Xu Puji, who is from Linxiang in Changsha. After his father passed away, before he could even bury his father, a neighbor's house caught on fire and the flames spread to his house. Puji sorrowfully laid himself over the coffin, using his body to shield the coffin from the flames. By the time the neighbors arrived to save him, he had already fainted, suffered severe burns and took several days to recover.
In Wuanling, Xuancheng Prefecture, a woman shared a bed with her mother, and her mother was attacked by a tiger! The daughter shouted for help and grabbed the tiger, pulling out its fur. After running over ten miles, the tiger finally released her mother. The daughter carried her mother back home; her mother was still alive for a while but eventually passed away. The magistrate Xiaochen provided them with compensation and reported the incident. The court ordered that their family be commended.
Shen Chonggai, courtesy name Sizheng, was from Wuxing, Wukang. His father, Shen Huaiming, served as the governor of Yanzhou during the Song Dynasty. When Shen Chonggai was six years old, his father passed away, and he cried so mournfully that it surpassed the customary mourning rituals. As he grew up, he supported his mother by copying books for others. During the Qijianwu era, he began his official career as a court attendant. During the Yongyuan era, he was promoted to serve as a military officer for the Ministry of Defense. During the Tianjian era, he served as a military officer for the Prince of Poyang's army. Three years later, the governor Liu Yun invited him to serve as a registrar. Shen Chonggai followed Liu Yun to the county, but when he returned to fetch his mother, he found that she had passed away. Overcome with guilt for not being filial while his mother was ill, Shen Chonggai considered ending his life, refusing to eat or drink, and crying day and night until he was nearly breathless after ten days. His brothers urged him, "The funeral arrangements aren't finished yet, and you're already thinking about ending your life." When he buried his mother, he faced the wind and rain without hesitation, weeping mournfully at the graveside. Every night, wild beasts would come to watch him, emitting sigh-like sounds. His family was poor and could not afford to move his mother's grave to a better location, so he begged for food for a year before he could finally lay his mother to rest. Afterward, he built a small shed next to the grave because he felt the funeral had not been conducted properly and observed a three-year mourning period in accordance with funeral customs. He subsisted on bran for an extended period, avoiding salt and vinegar, slept on a simple bed, and eventually suffered from malnutrition, causing his body to swell and making it hard for him to even rise from his bed.
The county reported his filial piety. When the emperor heard about it, he immediately sent a palace attendant to comfort and encourage him, and then issued a decree: "The former military officer Shen Chongbai has had aspirations and integrity since childhood and went beyond the customary mourning practices. Before the mourning period had ended and before his mother was buried, he spent several years begging for food, with many shortcomings in the funeral rites. He was just thinking of forever cherishing his mother and starting to observe filial piety again. While his filial piety is commendable, it must adhere to established etiquette. He may be exempted from mourning and promoted to be the prince's stable attendant. Commend his family and promote this kind of filial piety." Shen Chongbai accepted the emperor's decree, removed his mourning clothes, but he wept just as much as during the mourning period, resolutely declined official positions, and repeatedly requested to resign. He was appointed magistrate of Yongning only a year later. He felt his salary was insufficient to support himself, and with increased sadness and regret, unable to suppress his longing for his mother, he finally passed away in the county at the age of thirty-nine.
Xun Jiang, courtesy name Wenshi, was a native of Yingyin and the ninth-generation grandson of Xun Xu, the Grand Protector of the Jin Dynasty. His grandfather Xun Qiong avenged his father at the age of fifteen in Chengdu, gaining fame for his filial piety. Towards the end of the Yuanjia period of the Song Dynasty, Xun Qiong crossed the Huai River to seek refuge with Prince Wuling Liu Yilong, but was killed by pursuers and posthumously appointed as a Gentleman-in-Attendance. His father Xun Fachao served as magistrate of Anfu County during the latter part of the Qi Dynasty.
The tragic news arrived, and Xun Jiang was heartbroken, fainting on the spot, his body growing cold, and he only regained consciousness in the evening. Afterwards, he mourned by the river every night, and the travelers were disturbed by his cries. Before his mourning period ended, his brother Xun Fei became the Prefect of Yulin, but was struck by an arrow and fell in battle against bandits. When his brother's remains were returned, Xun Jiang attempted to drown himself, but was rescued just in time. Upon returning home, he found his family in dire poverty, unable to afford a proper burial.
He observed a period of mourning for his father and brother for four years, never stepping outside. From the moment he entered mourning, he neglected his appearance, losing all his hair. He wept incessantly until he lost his voice, his eyes swollen and raw from crying, emaciated and barely recognizable, even to his family. Local officials reported his plight to the court, and the Emperor issued a decree to relieve him of his mourning duties and appointed him as the Left Attendant of Yuzhang Kingdom. Although he accepted the appointment, he remained deeply grief-stricken, and his health continued to decline. His grandfather, Sun Qian, counseled him, "The Emperor rules the realm with filial piety; your filial devotion surpasses that of the ancients; therefore, the Emperor has specially appointed you to honor your filial devotion and to bring glory to future generations. This is not merely a command that can be ignored, but also a recognition of your filial devotion; your honor extends beyond yourself!" Xun Jiang ultimately accepted the appointment. Ultimately, he succumbed to his overwhelming grief at home, at the tender age of twenty-one.
Yu Qianlou, whose courtesy name was Zizhen, hailed from Xinye. His father, Yu Yi, held the position of Chief Scribe under the Minister of Works, but declined the official position offered by the court, thus earning a high reputation.
Qianlou loved studying since he was young, particularly enjoying reading the "Classic of Filial Piety," and he never brought shame upon himself in front of others. Two esteemed scholars from Nanyang, Liu Qiu and Zong Ce, held him in high regard. He initially served as a local registrar, later promoted to be a military officer in Pingxi District. He was then appointed as a county magistrate and achieved notable accomplishments in governance. Previously, there were frequent tiger attacks in the county where he was stationed. After Qianlou assumed office, the tigers fled to Linju, and people at the time believed it was due to his benevolent governance that the tigers were moved.
In the first year of Yongyuan, he was appointed as the magistrate of Chanling County. Fewer than ten days after taking office, his wife suddenly fell ill at home. Qianlou was shocked, sweating profusely, and resigned from his post that day to return home. His family was taken aback by his sudden return. His wife had been sick for only two days, and the doctor said, "To determine the severity of the illness, taste her stool to determine whether it is sweet or bitter." As his wife had diarrhea, Qianlou tasted it every time, noticing the taste becoming sweeter even as his worries deepened. Every night, he knelt and prayed to the North Star, offering his life in exchange for hers. Suddenly, he heard a voice from above saying, "Your time has come and cannot be changed. Your sincere prayers have moved heaven and earth, and can only keep her alive until the end of the month." At the end of the month, his wife passed away, and Qianlou mourned diligently, erecting a simple shelter beside her grave to honor her spirit. When Emperor He ascended the throne and wished to promote him, General Zhenjun Xiao Yingzhou even wrote to persuade him, but he respectfully declined.
After the mourning period ended, he was appointed as an Official of the Ministry of Rites at the Liang Platform. After the Liang Platform was built, Deng Yuanqi served as the governor of Yizhou, recommending Qianlou as the Chief Clerk, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Baxi County and Zitong County. After Chengdu was pacified, the city was filled with treasures, and Deng Yuanqi distributed them to his subordinates, but Qianlou did not want anything. Deng Yuanqi couldn't stand his uniqueness and loudly reprimanded him, "Chief Clerk, why are you like this?" Qianlou ignored him and only requested a few boxes of books. Soon after, he was appointed as the Prefect of Shu County, where he governed with integrity and honesty, deeply loved by the people. Deng Yuanqi died in Shu, his subordinates dispersed, and Qianlou personally handled his affairs, transporting his coffin back to his hometown. Upon returning to the court, he served as a Clerk of the Ministry of Finance, later promoted to be a military aide in the Central Army's Record Office. After the Eastern Palace was completed, he served the Crown Prince in his original position, earning the Crown Prince's trust, and the Emperor ordered him, along with the Crown Prince's scholars Yin Jun and Ming Shanbin, to take turns teaching the Crown Prince the teachings of the "Five Classics." Later, he was promoted to be a Gentleman of the Cavalry and then the Grand Administrator of Jingzhou. Finally, he passed away at the age of forty-six.
Ji Feng, styled Yanxiao, was a native of Lianshao in Fengyi, and his family had lived in Xiangyang for generations. He was exceptionally filial from a young age. When he was eleven years old, his mother passed away, and he went without food or water for several days, almost losing his life, which surprised his relatives and friends. During the Tianjian period, his father was appointed as the magistrate of Wuxing Yuanxiang, but was framed by corrupt officials and brought to trial before the Ministry of Justice. At the age of fifteen, Ji Feng cried outside the government office, pleading with the ministers for assistance. Passersby were moved to tears by what they saw. Although his father was innocent, unable to bear the pressure from the officials, he voluntarily confessed to the crime and was sentenced to death.
Ji Xi then ran to strike the Dengwen drum (an ancient tool for reporting to the emperor), requesting to take his father's place in death. Emperor Liang Wudi was very moved and ordered the Chief Justice, Cai Fadu, saying, "Ji Xi requests to die in place of his father; his filial piety is truly commendable! But he is still young; he couldn't have thought of this on his own. Go and question him carefully to see if it is true." Cai Fadu returned to the prison and, in a stern manner, questioned Ji Xi, "You request to die in place of your father; the emperor has agreed, so you should be prepared to die. But being cut by a knife or an axe is very painful; can you truly face death without fear? Besides, you are still a child; someone must have taught you this idea. Who taught you? Speak up! If you change your mind, we will accept that."
Ji Xi replied, "Although I am young, I know that death is very scary! But my younger brothers are still young; I’m the only brother they have. I cannot bear to see my father executed and then let my younger brothers lose their support. So, I have made up my mind, risking my life, to request to the emperor. Now I am prepared to die, to have my bones buried in the yellow earth; this is no small matter—how could someone else have taught me! The emperor has agreed to let me die in place of my father; it's like becoming immortal—how could I possibly change my mind!" Seeing Ji Xi's resolute attitude, Cai Fadu couldn't sway him, so he softened his tone and urged him, "The emperor knows that your father is innocent and will soon release him. Just look at how lovely you are, such a good child. If you change your mind now, both father and son can live; why would you want to seek death at such a young age?"
Jifan replied, "Even small fish, shrimp, and ants cherish their own lives, let alone humans. Who would be willing to sacrifice their lives? But my father has been seriously accused and will definitely be executed, so I wish to trade my life for my father's. I am now prepared, waiting for my execution. I have said everything I need to say." When Jifan was first imprisoned, the guards put many instruments of torture on him according to regulations; Cai Fadu felt sorry for him and ordered some of the instruments to be removed and replaced with lighter ones. Jifan refused, stating, "I ask to die in my father's place. As a condemned prisoner, I should receive harsher punishment; how can it be lessened?" In the end, the instruments were not removed. Cai Fadu reported this to the Emperor Liang Wu, who then pardoned his father.
Upon hearing about this, Wang Zhi, the magistrate of Danyang, wanted to recommend Jifan as a filial son and requested that he be allowed to return to his hometown. Jifan said, "Magistrate Wang, you are quite strange; why do you think so little of me? It is only right for a son to die when his father is humiliated. If I were to seek recognition for this, it would be too shameful!" So he refused. At the age of seventeen, Jifan was appointed as the chief registrar of his province. He was sent to monitor Wannian County, where the local customs saw significant improvement within a few months. After returning from Yongzhou to Yingzhou, the Governor of Xiangzhou, Liu Yue, appointed him as the chief registrar of his province. Later, local figures Pei Jian, Zang Dun, and Zhang Ze recommended Jifan, praising his filial piety and his expertise in the Book of Changes and the Tao Te Ching. The Emperor ordered the Grand Preceptor's Temple to commend him. Initially, Jifan developed heart disease as a result of his father's conviction and later passed away from it.
Zhen Tian, courtesy name Yan Yue, was from Wuji, Hebei, whose ancestors had lived in Jiangling for generations. His grandfather Zhen Qin served as the magistrate of Changning County, and his father Zhen Biao served as a state official. Zhen Tian lost his father at a young age and showed sorrow like an adult. His family fed him rice soaked in meat broth due to his young age, but he refused to eat. At the age of eight, he asked his mother if she regretted not having had the chance to know his father, then cried for several days. Suddenly, as if he had seen something, he described his father's appearance, which looked exactly like his father. Everyone at the time thought this was a touching display of filial piety. His family was very poor, and his mother could barely afford anything good to eat, but Zhen Tian lived frugally so that his mother could have the occasional treat. After his father passed away, he built a small shed next to the grave to mourn. There were always some black and white birds perched in the trees next to the shed, chirping when he cried and falling silent when he stopped. There was also a white sparrow that often nested near the shed where he stayed.
Zhang Dian, the governor of Shixing, detailed Zhen Tian's filial piety to the court. The emperor issued a decree saying, "I have always been eager to find and reward talented individuals, thinking about it day and night. I command officials from all regions to find all the talents. Zhen Tian's extraordinary filial piety has gained nationwide recognition, which can greatly benefit and educate the people. When local officials report such matters, it feels like I’ve seen it myself. A memorial should be established in his family's honor, and he should be granted a title." Zhen Tian ultimately became a military officer in Annan.
Han Huaiming, from Shangdang, was a guest in Jingzhou. When he was ten years old, his mother fell ill with a strange disease which was very dangerous whenever it flared up. Han Huaiming prayed under the stars at night. It was particularly cold at the time, but suddenly he smelled a fragrance and heard a voice in the air saying, "Child, your mother will soon recover; you won’t have to suffer like this anymore." Before dawn, his mother's illness was cured. The villagers thought it was quite strange.
When Han Huaiming was fifteen years old, he lost his father and almost collapsed. He dug the grave himself without accepting any help. After the mourning period, he studied under Mr. Liu Qiu of Nanyang with a villager named Guo Niu. One day, Mr. Liu suddenly stopped the class and cried by himself in his room. Han Huaiming secretly asked what was wrong, and Mr. Liu's family said, "Today is the anniversary of his grandmother's death." Mr. Liu's mother had also passed away. Upon hearing this, Han Huaiming stopped studying for the day and went home to care for his mother. Mr. Liu sighed, "Han Sheng, you have not regretted like Yuqiu." (Yuqiu refers to Yuqiu from the Spring and Autumn period, who was famous for being unfilial.)
Han Huaiming came from a poor family and worked tirelessly to support his mother. He stayed by her side every day, never leaving her side. His mother lived to be ninety-one years old and passed away peacefully. Han Huaiming went without food or water for ten days and cried constantly. During this time, two pairs of white doves built nests on the roof of his house, gentle and tame like domestic birds, waiting until Han Huaiming completed his mourning period before they flew away. After the mourning period ended, Han Huaiming ate only vegetarian food for the rest of his life and never changed his clothes or bedding. In the early years of Tianjian, the Governor of Jingzhou, Wang Dan of Shixing, reported Han Huaiming's deeds to the court. The province made several attempts to recruit him for official positions, but he turned them down and eventually passed away at home.
Liu Tanjing, courtesy name Yuanguang, was a native of Lüxian in Pengcheng. His grandfather, Liu Yuanzhen, served as the Governor of Huainan, but fell afoul of someone during his tenure. His father, Liu Huijing, traveled to various ministers in the court to plead for his grandfather's case, demonstrating profound filial piety. Liu Tanjing was upright and inherited his father's excellent qualities. He was appointed as the Left Attendant of the Kingdom of Ancheng upon reaching adulthood. When his father passed away while in office, Liu Tanjing rushed back to mourn, going several days without food or water, fainting and regaining consciousness multiple times. Each time he cried, he would vomit blood. After the mourning period, he fell seriously ill due to excessive grief. The court issued a decree for various clans to recommend four categories of talented individuals, and Liu Tanjing's uncle, Liu Huifei, recommended him as an exemplar of filial piety. The Emperor appointed him as the magistrate of Haining. However, since his older brother had not served as a county magistrate yet, Liu Tanjing humbly yielded to his brother and was appointed as a military officer in Anxi. After his father's death, he became increasingly attentive and devoted to his mother, cooking for her personally and never relying on others. When his mother fell ill, he tended to her tirelessly. After his mother's passing, he barely consumed food or water for nearly ten days. His mother was buried in Yaowang Temple in the bitter cold of winter, and Liu Tanjing, clad in threadbare clothing, remained in a modest hut beside her grave, crying day and night. His incessant mourning touched the hearts of passersby. Before the mourning period was over, he succumbed to his overwhelming grief.
He Jiong, courtesy name Shiguang, was from Lujiang County. His father, He Zun, held the position of Grand Master of the Palace. At the age of fifteen, He Jiong followed his brother He Yin to study and mastered the chapters and verses of the "Five Classics" in just one year. He Jiong had fair skin and a handsome appearance. His cousins, He Qiu and He Dian, praised him whenever they saw him, saying, "Uncle Bao (referring to Boyi of the Zhou) has a clear and refreshing spirit, and Hongnong (referring to Wei Shuqing and Du Yu) has a clear and beautiful appearance. Seeing this child now is like seeing Wei Shuqing and Du Yu!" He Jiong always longed for a quiet, reclusive life and was unwilling to enter the official ranks. His uncle He Changyu advised him, "He Qiu and He Dian have already achieved success and retired. You shouldn't think this way anymore. Moreover, gentlemen have different choices in life." At the age of nineteen, He Jiong became the registrar of Yangzhou. He passed the imperial examination and gradually climbed the ranks, serving as a military officer in the Wang Mansion, a lieutenant in the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Revenue. He was later sent to serve as the magistrate of Yongkang County, renowned for his gentleness and fairness. Upon returning to the capital, he served as the secretary in the Prince of Renwei Nankang's household and later rose to the position of Imperial Secretary. When his father fell ill, he went more than ten days without changing his clothes or combing his hair, and his appearance deteriorated significantly in just a few days. After his father's death, he was overcome with grief; he cried continuously, sleeping on the ground, using a lump of earth as a pillow. He became weak in the lower back, and his feet swelled, and ultimately passed away from overwhelming sorrow.
Yu Shami, a native of Yingyin, was a sixth-generation descendant of Bing, the Minister of Works during the Jin Dynasty. His father was named Yu Peiyu, who held the titles of Chief Historian of the State and Interior Minister of Changsha. During the Song Dynasty, in the first year of the Shengming era, he was executed for his involvement in the Shen You incident. Yu Shami was born just then.
When he was five years old, his mother made him beautiful clothes, yet he stubbornly refused to wear them. When his mother asked why, he cried and said, "Our family is unfortunate; we have suffered such a big disaster, what's the use of wearing these clothes!" When he grew up, he always wore rough clothing, ate plain food, and lived a simple life. He first served as a Left Attendant in the Kingdom of Linchuan and later was promoted to the Central Army as a Tiancao Xingjun.
His birth mother, Mrs. Liu, fell ill, and Yushami attended to her bedside every morning and evening, never leaving her side. He even had to practice acupuncture on himself before daring to use it on his mother. After his mother passed away, he went several days without eating or drinking, dressed in mourning clothes, not leaving the house, crying day and night, and the neighbors could hardly bear to listen. His mother's grave was in the mountains, and somehow, next to her grave, hundreds of pine trees mysteriously sprouted.
His cousin, a high-ranking official in the government, wrote to the court reporting this matter, saying that Yushami was very filial. Upon hearing this, the emperor summoned him and expressed his admiration, so he was appointed as the county magistrate of Shexian. Later, he was appointed as a military officer serving under Prince Shaoling and followed Prince Shaoling to Kuaiji. Sadly, he faced the loss of his mother once more.
On the way back to the capital from Kuaiji for the funeral, when passing through Zhejiang, the ship encountered a fierce storm, and the ship was nearly capsizing. Yushami held his mother's coffin and cried out, and soon the wind stopped; perhaps his deep filial devotion moved the heavens.
After the mourning period ended, he was appointed as a military officer in the Xingwei Penal Institution and also took on the role of magistrate in Danyang County... Later, he was promoted to the position of Sima. Finally, he was sent to the Great Wall as a county magistrate, where he ultimately passed away.
Jiang Shun, also known as Hanjie, was a native of Jiyang, Kaocheng. His father, Jiang Qian, was an official of the highest rank. Since childhood, Jiang Shun had been exceptionally filial. When he was thirteen, his father's eyes fell ill, and Jiang Shun took care of him day and night, without changing his clothes for nearly a month. One night, he dreamed of a monk who said, "Those with eye diseases will be cured by drinking Wisdom Eye Water." When he woke up and told others about it, no one knew what it meant.
Jiang Shun's third uncle, Jiang Lu, was close to the wise monk at Cao Tang Temple, so he went to ask him. The wise monk replied, "The Infinite Life Sutra says: 'Wisdom eyes see the truth, and can reach the other shore.'" Jiang Shun's father, Jiang Qian, followed the advice of the wise monk and bought a piece of land in Niutun, Xia County to build a temple, and requested a good name from the emperor. The emperor replied, "Loyal ministers and filial sons often have divine connections. Yan Han from the Jin Dynasty once received a remedy through divine means. Now I hear that the wise monk knows about your second son dreaming of drinking Wisdom Eye Water. 'Wisdom Eye' is a term for the Five Eyes. If you wish to build a temple, you may name it 'Wisdom Eye Temple'." So they began building the temple, and while digging the foundation, they found a well. The well water was crystal clear and unlike ordinary well water. Following the dream's instructions, they used the well water to wash their eyes and to make medicine. His father's eyes gradually improved and eventually fully recovered.
People at the time believed this was due to his filial piety. Later, when the King of Nangang became the governor of Nanzhou, he invited Jiang Shun to serve as an official greeter. Jiang Shun was quiet by nature and enjoyed studying philosophical works such as the "Laozi" and "Zhuangzi," particularly excelling in Buddhist studies. He wasn't fond of official duties. After his father passed away, Jiang Shun set up a shelter beside his grave to keep vigil. He cried non-stop day and night, and after more than a month of crying, he passed away himself.
Liu Ji (courtesy name Shixuan) was from Pingyuan. His grandfather, Liu Chengmin, was the governor of Jizhou during the Song Dynasty; his father, Liu Wenwei, served as a government official in the Qi Dynasty. At the age of nine, Liu Ji could recite the "Zuo Zhuan," and his family thought he was exceptionally gifted. When he was fourteen, his father passed away, and he was very filial, crying so hard he coughed up blood. The family struggled financially, but he and his brothers, Liu Yao and Liu Hao, supported each other in their studies. As he grew up, he gained extensive knowledge. During the Tianjian period, he began his career as a court attendant and gradually advanced to the position of military officer in the Xuanhui Jin'an Prince's residence, also serving as an internal secretary, before being sent to Xichang as a county magistrate. Later, he returned to the court and served as the chief guest attendant of the Ministry of Rites. Shortly after, he was appointed magistrate of Haiyan County. Liu Ji served as magistrate in two counties, gaining a reputation for his excellent governance in both. He was later transferred to Jiankang as a magistrate, but he was not fond of the position. Shortly after falling ill, he stepped down from his post. He was then offered the position of magistrate of Jiankang, but he turned it down. When his mother Ming Shi fell ill, Liu Ji, who was already fifty years old, went without changing his clothes for seven days and nights, continuously reciting the "Guanyin Sutra" over ten thousand times. One night, he dreamed of a monk who told him, "Your mother's life is coming to an end, but because of your filial piety and sincerity, I will help prolong her life." Sixty days later, his mother passed on. Liu Ji built a small shed next to his mother's grave to mourn, grieving so deeply that he neglected proper etiquette. Two white cranes often flew around the shed where he stayed. The recluse Ruan Xiaoxu wrote to comfort him, but Liu Ji missed his mother terribly and died before his mourning period ended, at the age of fifty-two. He wrote "Shi Suyu" in eight volumes and "Collected Works" in ten volumes. His brother Liu Yao's life is documented in the "Biographies of Literature," and his brother Liu Hao's life is documented in the "Biographies of Recluses."
Chu Xiu, from Qiantang in Wu County, was the son of Chu Zhongdu, who was proficient in the I Ching and was the most formidable master of divination at the time. During the Tianjian era, Chu Xiu served as a Doctor of the Five Classics (Wujing). He inherited his father's knowledge from a young age, mastering the Classic of Filial Piety (Xiaojing) and the Analects (Lunyu), excelling in writing letters and understanding some literature. He initially served as an attendant of the Xiangdong Kingdom, then gradually rose to become a proclamation military officer in the Xiangdong Prefecture, while also serving as an assistant teacher at the Imperial Academy. When the Prince of Wuling served as the Inspector of Yangzhou, he transferred Chu Xiu to Yangzhou to serve as a military officer of proclamation and concurrently as an inner secretary. Chu Xiu was extremely filial, and when his father passed away, he was so overwhelmed with grief that his health deteriorated, he became emaciated, and fell ill. When his mother passed away, he went without food or drink for twenty-three days, on the brink of death. He eventually recovered, but every time he cried, he would spit up blood, and ultimately died from excessive sorrow.
Xie Lin, styled Xiru, was from Yangxia in Chen County, and was the eighth generation descendant of Xie An, the Grand Tutor of the Jin Dynasty. His father, Xie Jing, had served as a junior military advisor. When Xie Lin was five years old, whenever his parents hadn't eaten yet and the wet nurse wanted him to eat first, he would always respond, "I'm not hungry." Even if others forced him to eat, he would refuse. When his uncle Ruan Xiaoxu heard about this, he exclaimed, "This child is as filial as Zengzi was at home, and he will grow up to be as loyal and brave as Lin Xiangru in service to the ruler." So he named him "Lin." Xie Lin had been studying the classics since he was young, and could recite them after just one reading. Ruan Xiaoxu often praised him, saying, "Our family has produced a talent like Yang Yuan, referring to Zengzi!"
After his father passed away, Xie Lin cried day and night, grieving excessively and becoming thin to the point of skin and bones. His mother, Lady Ruan, often comforted him, but Xie Lin remained immersed in sorrow. After the mourning period ended, the Minister of Personnel Affairs, Xiao Zixian, praised Xie Lin's filial piety in a memorial, recommending him to be appointed as a military officer serving in the Wang family estate, later promoted to a military officer in the Ministry of War. At that time, dew fell upon the Shilin Pavilion, and Xie Lin wrote a eulogy for this occasion. The Emperor was greatly impressed by him, ordering him to write the "Inscription of Good Governance by Xiao Kaide, Governor of Beiyanzhou" and the "Eulogy on the Doctrine of the Mean for Prince Xuancheng." In the first year of Taiqing, Xie Lin was promoted to Cavalier Attendant, concurrently serving as a Regular Attendant, and was sent on a mission to the Wei Kingdom. Just as Hou Jing staged a rebellion and war broke out at the border, Xie Lin's mother worried he might not return and died from overwhelming anxiety. Upon returning to his homeland, Xie Lin had a troubling dream that night, and the following day, he submitted a request to resign to return home for the funeral. After returning home, he wept inconsolably, coughed up blood, and fell into a prolonged coma, stopping eating and drinking. Concerned that he could not bear it, his relatives and friends were extremely sad and urged him to have some porridge. Xie Lin reluctantly took a few sips but ultimately couldn’t eat anything. A month later, he passed away that night at the age of thirty-eight. Throughout his life, Xie Lin created dozens of works, including poems, inscriptions, and eulogies.
Historical records state that Confucius said: "Destroying the body cannot extinguish a person's true nature," teaching people not to inflict harm on themselves out of grief. Therefore, funeral rites were established to guide people's expressions of grief. Gao Chai and Zhong You (Zilu) earnestly followed the teachings of the sages, while Zeng Shen and Min Sun (Zigong) devoutly showed filial piety; some wept until they bled, for a duration of a year. Were they unaware of the depths of grief? Isn't the longing expressed in the chapter 'Liao E' deeply touching? This is the ritual set by the ancient kings, which all wise individuals adhere to. Many individuals, like Qiu Chi and Wu Jun, ultimately suffered physical collapse. Do they not also share the same filial piety as Zengzi and Zilu?
