The Book of Changes says: "The foundation of humanity lies in benevolence and righteousness." Benevolence and righteousness are the most fundamental principles between rulers and subjects, as well as between fathers and sons, and they form the basis of loyalty and filial piety. Although righteousness arises from within and is not simply a result of external influence, to attain this state of righteousness, one needs to study the teachings of sages.
However, in today's corrupt society, the rituals have fallen into disarray, and music has deteriorated. Loyal officials are unable to assist the state, and filial children are unable to support their parents. People are only concerned with power and profit; officials are solely concerned with climbing the ranks and accumulating wealth. Honor and wealth are no longer earned through virtuous conduct. People have lost their noble aspirations and forgotten their responsibility to prioritize righteousness over personal gain. Even though harsh conditions cannot shake their integrity, they have long forgotten the righteousness in their hearts. While their reputation remains unchanged, it can be easily crushed under the wheels of the enemy's chariots. All of this is due to a lack of profound education and insufficient guidance towards virtue.
If emotions come from nature and behavior originates from oneself, then even at the peril of their own lives, one should rescue the ruler and comfort their loved ones, even in a dark environment without external rewards and encouragement. However, those who rule the world always use various means to tempt and motivate others. The deeds of those who remain unknown are even less recognized, thus only a handful are worthy of being recorded in history. Now, I am collecting and organizing these forgotten stories to fill the gaps in our historical narratives.
Gong Ying, who was from Suining, Sichuan, had a passion for learning from a young age. Mao Ju, the Governor of Yizhou, appointed him as an advisor for education. Later, when Qiao Zong killed Mao Ju, the other officials fled in fear, but Gong Ying wept and mourned, observing the proper rites for his burial. Subsequently, Qiao Zong held a feast and invited Gong Ying, who felt compelled to attend. When the music began to play at the banquet, Gong Ying stood up crying and said, "I served him; I cannot betray him, even in death. How can I bear to listen to music and participate in the traitors' festivities?" Qiao Zong's general, Qiao Daofu, took him outside with the intent to kill him. Unexpectedly, Qiao Daofu's mother turned out to be Gong Ying's aunt, and she ran out barefoot to save him, which allowed Gong Ying to escape. After Qiao Zong proclaimed himself Emperor, he summoned Gong Ying once more, but Gong Ying still refused to comply. So, Qiao Zong imprisoned Gong Ying and threatened him with swords, but he remained resolute without wavering. He never submitted, even until the fall of the Shu Han dynasty.
Afterwards, the governor came and held him in high regard, promoting him to be a military advisor in the prefecture and an assistant to the historian in the province. In the twenty-fourth year of Emperor Wen's reign in the Song Dynasty, Governor Lu Zheng submitted a memorial saying, "I've heard that in troubled times, sticking to the right path reveals steadfast integrity; maintaining independence in times of danger can showcase noble character. In the past during the Yuanxing period, the court was in disarray, and Qiao Zong took advantage of the chaos to cause trouble, acting like a tyrant in the Ba and Shu regions, killing the former governor of Yizhou, Mao Qu, occupying the Shu region, and terrifying the people living in Fuling and Minshan. Mao Qu's former subordinate, Xi Ying, however, stood alone in his integrity and innocence, with unwavering determination, handling the funeral affairs for his former lord with sorrow and respect, observing proper etiquette for a full nine years without aligning himself with the false court. Although Qiao Zong was cruel and ruthless, he recognized Xi Ying's loyalty, and thus used his official position and military force to pressure him. Xi Ying was loyal and brave, with a resolute attitude; even when imprisoned and in danger, he remained steadfast in his integrity, never changing his stance even with a knife to his throat. This is akin to Wang Ju protesting against the Yan army and Zhou Ke lamenting the actions of King Chu; compared to Xi Ying, he stands equally tall. He is truly a man of loyalty and righteousness today, carrying on the legacy of loyalty and righteousness from ancient times. However, his name was not recorded by the court, and his title was not elevated, which is truly a pity for the folks in remote areas! I’m thankful for the emperor’s favor and wish to spread this message far and wide. I have been thinking about this matter all along, so I take the liberty of reporting it to the emperor, fearing any oversight and feeling quite anxious." Xi Ying ultimately did not receive an appointment from the court and passed away peacefully at home.
Liu Yu, from Liyang, lost his father at the age of seven and was deeply devoted to his mother. When he lost his mother at the age of fifty-two, he abstained from salt and dairy for three years, weeping day and night. He took care of household duties and managed his mother's funeral arrangements with great diligence. After the mourning period, he wore rough, coarse clothing for over twenty years, ate vegetarian food, and always spoke with tears streaming down his face. He lived beside his mother's grave his entire life, never leaving her side. He passed away during the early Yongjia years of Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty.
Jia En, from Kuaiji Zhuji, was known for his aspirations and integrity from a young age, earning admiration from his hometown. In the third year of Yongjia, his mother passed away, and he mourned with extraordinary dedication, surpassing customary expectations. Before his mother was buried, a fire from a neighbor's home broke out, and Jia En and his wife, Huan Shi, rushed to help put out the fire. Neighbors also came to assist, and the coffin was preserved. Tragically, both Jia En and Huan Shi perished in the fire. Local authorities requested that their village be renamed Filial Piety Village, granting a tax exemption for three generations. Jia En was posthumously honored with the title of Left Lieutenant of Xianqin County in the Tianshui Department.
Guo Shidao was from Yongxing, Shaoxing in Zhejiang. He was born without a mother, and his father later remarried. Guo Shidao was filial to his father and stepmother, demonstrating deep filial piety. When he was fourteen years old, his father passed away, and he mourned his father with profound sincerity, almost unable to bear the pain of losing him. The family was impoverished and owned no property, so he had to rely on working to support his stepmother. When his stepmother gave birth to a son, the couple discussed, saying, "It is already difficult for us to support her with just the two of us; if we raise this child, the costs would be even higher." So they buried the child with heavy hearts. After his stepmother passed away, Guo Shidao dug the grave and constructed the tomb himself, and with the help of relatives and friends, he managed to gather some funds. After the funeral, he used his earnings to repay his previous debts. After the mourning period ended, Guo Shidao continued to miss his parents, living the rest of his life in mourning, expressing his remembrance of his ancestors. This longing remained in his heart, so he never took off his mourning clothes. His reputation for kindness and generosity spread throughout the village, and no one from the neighboring villages, regardless of status, would dare to call him by name.
Once, he went to Shanyin market with others to buy and sell goods, accidentally ending up with an extra 1000 coins, which he didn't notice until after they parted ways. He asked his companions to return the money to the rightful owner, but they just laughed it off and ignored him. Guo Shidao used his own money to make up for it and returned the money to the owner. The owner was taken aback and wanted to give him half as a reward, but Guo Shidao politely declined. In the fourth year of Yuanjia, when the court dispatched envoys to inspect the realm, the Cavalier Attendant Yuan Yu praised Guo Shidao's simple and honest character in a memorial to the throne. Emperor Wen of Song commended him and ordered that he be honored in the county, exempting him from taxes, and renaming Guo Shidao's village to "Filial Piety Lane." Governor Meng Yi sought to recommend him as a model of filial piety, but he humbly declined.
Ziyuan Ping, courtesy name Changtai, is known for his exceptional character and relies on his own efforts to be filial to his parents. He enjoys woodworking in his spare time and makes a living doing odd jobs. He is very humble, and whenever he helps others with carpentry work, he only charges the price of an ordinary worker. When invited to dinner by others, because his family is poor and his parents aren't accustomed to fancy food, he only drinks plain tea and eats simple fare. If there is no food at home, he goes hungry all day, refusing to eat alone until he finishes work in the evening, collects his wages, buys rice and vegetables in town, and then cooks. His father has been ill for several years, and during that time, Ziyuan Ping never complained and has not eaten meat or fish for years, nor has he slept peacefully. After his father passed away, he cried inconsolably for several days before he could gather himself. He feels that fulfilling his filial duty is essential, so he personally took care of his father's funeral arrangements without relying on anyone else. Although he is skilled, he does not know how to repair graves, so he sought out someone in town who could help, worked hard, and took considerable time to learn. He even hired ten workers at his own expense to handle the various costs. His father's funeral was simple yet respectful of tradition. He hasn't read much, but everything he does comes from the heart.
After the funeral, he returned to his employer to continue working, without ever slacking off, and cooperating with other workers. He always gave the easier tasks to others, taking on the more strenuous work himself. His employer couldn't bear to watch this and wanted him to rest, but he always insisted on keeping busy and never slacked off. He used the leftover wages to support his mother. After saving enough money, he bought his freedom. He was gifted and became better at tomb repair. On lucky days, people would flock to hire him. He always began with the lowest rates, not only charging a low rate but also putting in extra hours to help. After his father's passing, he built two small rooms as a shrine. During festivals, he would give up meat for those few days, only drinking porridge, to honor his father. He stopped eating fish after his father passed away. In front of his mother, he would pretend to eat meat, but never actually did when he was alone. He kept this up for over thirty years.
Xu Yao from Gaoyang, who served as an official in Yongxing, stepped down from his post as the county magistrate of Jian'an and returned home. He gave a pound of cotton to Yuanping, who repeatedly refused to accept it and sent it back several times. Xu Yao personally visited him and said, "It's especially cold this winter, and the cotton from Jian'an is good. I'm giving it to you and your family to keep warm." Only then did Yuanping finally accept it and thank him. After his mother passed away, he grew even thinner, only showing slight improvement by the time of the funeral. There were several acres of land near the grave that was not owned by Yuanping. During busy farming seasons, the workers would always be hard at work, but Yuanping didn't want to neglect his mother's grave. So he sold his belongings and bought the land at a high price. During busy farming seasons, he would tighten his belt and weep as he worked the land himself. When he sold items at the market, he would only ask for half the usual price, and after a while, the townspeople came to recognize him and would often offer to pay more. Both buyers and sellers would compromise, with buyers lowering their prices until Yuanping accepted. His house sat in a low-lying area, so he dug a drainage ditch around it. He planted bamboo around the house, and one spring night, someone attempted to steal bamboo shoots. Yuanping saw this, and the thief fell into the ditch while running away. Feeling guilty about the thief getting hurt, Yuanping constructed a small bridge over the ditch to provide easy access to the bamboo and placed the bamboo shoots outside the fence. The neighbors felt embarrassed, and after that, no one dared to steal bamboo shoots again. When Emperor Taizu passed away, Yuanping cried so much that he could hardly eat. When asked why he was so upset, he replied, "My family has been favored by the previous dynasty, but I cannot repay this kindness, and I feel deeply saddened by this." After that, he made a living by farming.
In the seventh year of the reign of the Ming Dynasty, there was a severe drought, causing the water level of the Guadu River to fall so low that boats could no longer pass. County Official Liu Sengxiu saw that an elderly and impoverished man needed help, so he decided to release water to aid him. However, Yuan Ping responded, "Currently, the whole country is suffering from a severe drought. How can we reduce irrigation water for farmland just to make it easier for boats to transport melons?" So he took a different route and walked to Qiantang to sell his goods.
Every time he traveled by water, if he saw someone having trouble crossing, he would quickly row over to help; he never asked anyone for help. If he had already crossed the river but others were still waiting, he would stop and wait for them, as was his usual practice. Once, while helping someone cross at Fengtai on the south side of the county, he happened upon a fight. When the officials arrived to make arrests, everyone ran away except for Yuan Ping. He was taken to the county office, where the new county magistrate, unfamiliar with him, sought to punish him severely. Yuan Ping stripped off his clothes and silently accepted his guilt. People nearby, both officials and commoners, pleaded for mercy, and he was eventually spared. He had never flattered officials before, but after this incident, the people held him in even higher regard.
Magistrate Wang was a clean official who never accepted gifts. Later, Magistrate Cai Xingzong took office and placed great importance on Guo Yuanping, giving him and Zhu Bainian's wife from Shanyin rice, saying it was an annual reward from the court. He said, "This is the court's annual reward to help the poor, and there is a precedent for this. Moreover, you are elderly and facing difficult circumstances! Mr. Guo Yuanping, you are filial to your parents, possess noble character, have a good reputation, and lead a simple life. Although Mr. Zhu Bainian has passed away, it’s not easy for you to live alone at your age. Therefore, I would like to give each of you one hundred hu of rice." Guo Yuanping declined several times, firmly refusing. Someone advised him, "The magistrate values your good character and sympathizes with your poverty; that’s why he is rewarding you. Why do you insist on refusing?" Guo Yuanping said, "If the magistrate is rewarding me for my character, then I have nothing deserving of such a reward. If it’s because we are poor, there are many elderly people like us facing hardships, not just me." In the end, he still refused to accept the rice. Zhu Bainian's wife also declined.
Kuaiji Prefecture has many prestigious families, and although the Guo family of Yuanping is not as prominent as those top families, they are still regarded as a prestigious family. In the seventh year of the Taishi era, Cai Xingzong wanted to recommend the eldest son of Kong Zhongzhi from Shanyin as a candidate for filial piety, and Guo Yuanping's son to challenge the Kong family’s influence. However, the Emperor had other plans, so this proposal was shelved. In the first year of the Taiyu era, Cai Xingzong was transferred back to the capital, and he submitted a memorial to the court stating that Guo Yuanping had noble character and should be promoted and utilized to promote social ethics, recommending him as a Tai Xue Scholar. Unfortunately, Cai Xingzong passed away, and this matter was not accomplished. The next year, in the first year of the Yuanhui era, Guo Yuanping died peacefully at home. Guo Yuanping led his life with integrity, never displaying anger or joy in the presence of those who knew him for decades. All three of his sons and his brother were exceptional. The eldest son, Guo Bolin, passed the Imperial Examination, and the second son, Guo Lingfu, served as a Confucian ritualist, but neither of them pursued official careers.
Yan Shiqi is from Shanyin, Kuaiji. He is especially eager to help others and do good deeds, which is simply his nature. In his village, Zhang Mai and another person, whose wives had both recently given birth, were struggling during a famine that year. They were worried they couldn't support their children and considered abandoning them. When Yan Shiqi heard about this, he quickly went to help them, sharing his food and clothes with them, helping them get through this tough time, and all three children grew up healthy. In the same county, Zhuang, the wife of Yu Yang, was ninety years old, and her daughter Lan Shi was seventy years old. Both were elderly, ill, and alone. Yan Shiqi looked after them for over twenty years. After they passed away, he also took care of their funerals. His relative Yan Hong, neighbor Pan Bo, and fifteen others all starved to death during the famine, their bodies left out in the open, with no one to bury them. Yan Shiqi spent money on coffins and burial supplies for them and also took care of their children. The county magistrate, He Manzhi, reported this to the higher-ups. In the fourth year of Yuanjia, the government put up a memorial archway in front of Yan Shiqi's home, inscribed with "The Righteous Yan Family." He was granted a ten-year exemption from all corvee and taxes.
Wu Kui is from Wucheng, Wuxing. During a year of famine and a plague outbreak, his parents, siblings, sisters-in-law, and many other relatives, young and old—thirteen people in total died. Wu Kui himself was very ill at the time, and the neighbors wrapped him in reed mats and buried him on the outskirts of the village. Later, Wu Kui recovered from his illness, but all his relatives had passed away, leaving only him and his wife alive. The family was destitute, with no blankets for the winter. By day, he took on odd jobs to make ends meet, and at night, he chopped wood and made bricks. He never let up. One night, Wu Kui encountered a tiger while walking, and the tiger actually stepped aside to avoid him. Within six months, he built seven graves and buried thirteen coffins. The neighbors praised his selfless acts. On the day of the burial, everyone came to help, and though the funeral was simple, it was carried out with care. Wu Kui could have charged his neighbors for their help, but he refused to take it. Instead, he returned the favor by helping them with his own labor. Magistrate Zhang Chong commended him three times, and Magistrate Wang Shao promoted him to a position as a historian, but Wu Kui, due to his poverty, firmly turned down the offer. Ultimately, he was recommended as a model of filial piety and integrity.
Pan Zong hails from Wucheng, Huzhou in Zhejiang province. During the Sun En Rebellion, the rebel army invaded the village, and Pan Zong and his father Pan Biao fled together. His father, being old, struggled to keep up, and the rebels quickly closed in on them. Pan Biao said to Pan Zong, "I can't go on any longer; you need to run ahead. If you can escape, then escape; don't die together." Pan Biao was exhausted and sat on the ground. Pan Zong rushed toward the rebels, bowing and pleading for mercy, saying, "My father is old; please spare his life!" When the rebels arrived, Pan Biao also begged them, saying, "My son is young and can run by himself, but now because of my old father, he can't run. I am not afraid of death; please let go of my son." The rebels then struck Pan Biao, and Pan Zong hugged his father. The rebels struck Pan Zong's head and face four times, and Pan Zong passed out. Just then, a rebel soldier approached and said to his comrades, "If you aspire to achieve great things, how can we kill this boy who would sacrifice his life to save his father? Killing filial sons is not auspicious!" The rebels hesitated for a long time before stopping, and both father and son survived.
Pan Zong's fellow townsmen, Qiu Jizu, the Secretary of State, and Shen Chiqian, the Judge of the Court, heard about Pan Zong's remarkable act and recommended him for the position of Left Historian; later, he became the magistrate of Suichang County. After completing his term and returning home, the governor Wang Shao took office and ordered, "In future selections of filial and incorrupt officials, we must thoroughly assess their character. Even if their performance in the four subjects and their essays are not good, as long as they demonstrate filial piety, righteousness, and a good reputation, it is enough to comply with the emperor's intentions. Pan Zong from Wucheng sacrificed his life to save his father out of filial piety, and Wu Kui from Wucheng also did many righteous deeds. They should be selected as filial and incorrupt officials and recommended to the prefectural government to commend their deeds." Before Wang Shao departed, he hosted a farewell banquet and gave him a four-character poem:
Dongbao is the finest gold, Nanmu is home to tall trees. Radiant brilliance shines on the cliffs, towering branches reaching the sky. This land is beautiful and renowned for its elegance. Nurturing wings in the secluded forest, cultivating melodies in the Nine Gorges. (Part One)
After the Tang Dynasty, Ming and Wei, the Han lineage of Pu Lun. Our emperor reflects, cherishing the people's happiness. Officials compete to recommend, old chapters with new. I also make a contribution, speaking of righteousness and benevolence. (Part Two)
Benevolence and righteousness reside in Wu and Pan. With pure filial piety, they endure hardships. Facing death as if returning to one's roots, gentle inquiries like blooming orchids. Wu truly embodies benevolence, with heart and strength together. Firm in this bitter vow, changing with the cold years. Though frost and snow are thick, the pine and cypress stand tall. (Part Three)
In summary, Pan's father, being old and unable to run, saw the rebels in pursuit. His father told him to run and stayed behind to block the rebels. Consequently, his father was killed, and he sustained severe wounds, almost dying, but the rebels spared him because they believed killing a filial son was unlucky. Later, he was recommended for an official position because of this incident; the governor personally bid him farewell and composed poems in his praise.
It is said that good deeds cannot remain hidden, much like two virtuous and filial brothers; their virtues will shine ever brighter with time, like exceptional individuals, flourishing like the rising sun. Some say the right path is far, but as long as you strive to promote it, it will shine brightly. I hope you young people will not slack off!
Jiang Ge offers valuable gifts, celebrating and thanking the grace of the court; Jiang Shi presents poetry, praised by the Han Dynasty. Encouraging you, the messengers, to be respectful and cautious, to behave properly, so that even the remote regions can feel the glory of the capital.
I am now old and frail, worried about being preyed upon by thieves, unable to promote ritual music education, let alone preach teachings. Just following the customs of the Kang and Yi regions, appreciating their good virtues. I write these words to express my admiration for the two filial sons.
In the year 427 AD, the relevant authorities petitioned the court to rename their village "Chunxiao Village" and granted them a tax exemption for three generations. Zhang Jinzhi, a native of Angu County, Yongjia Prefecture, came from a prominent local family. He had aspirations and integrity from a young age, serving as the registrar of the county and as the chief military officer of Yongning County and Angu County. Although his family was wealthy, he sacrificed all his wealth to help the villagers during a famine, ultimately falling into poverty while saving many lives. Zhang Jinzhi once served under the governor Wang Weizhi. When Wang Weizhi committed a crime and was on the run from arrest, he fled to Zhang Jinzhi's home to hide. Zhang Jinzhi took him in and cared for him wholeheartedly. Because of the village's low-lying terrain, they moved to Chixi. Wang Weizhi fell into the water and drowned, and Zhang Jinzhi jumped in to save him, both nearly losing their lives before being rescued. At that time, bandits were rampant and often raided the village, but when they reached Zhang Jinzhi's home, they would agree not to harm anyone, demonstrating how his integrity inspired many. In the early years of Yuanjia, the court granted him an exemption from local corvee labor. During the Sun En Rebellion, the governor of Yongjia, Sima Yizhi, was assassinated, and his wife also perished. In the chaos of war, no one dared to collect their bodies for burial. The county official Yu Qian used his own resources to purchase coffins and give them a proper burial before he returned home. In the later years of Yuanjia, Yu Qian, now frail and elderly, passed away.
Wang Peng is from Xuyi County, Jiangsu Province. He lost his mother at a very young age. During the Yuanjia era, his father also passed away, leaving the family in dire poverty and unable to afford the funeral. He and his younger brother worked odd jobs by day and wept bitterly at night. The villagers took pity on them and helped by making bricks. However, they needed water to make the bricks, and after digging a well dozens of feet deep, they couldn't find any water due to the drought. Carrying water from the Huai River, which was five miles away, was exhausting and barely sufficient. Wang Peng cried out to the heavens for several days. Suddenly, one day, a thick fog rolled in, and when the fog lifted, a spring of water gushed out in front of the brick kiln! The villagers who had come to help were astonished, and people from the county and surrounding areas came to see it for themselves. Shortly after the funeral, the spring water vanished. In the ninth year of the Yuanjia era, Governor Liu Bolong reported this to the imperial court, and Wang Peng's village was renamed "Tongling Li," exempting them from taxes for three generations.
Jiang Gong was a resident of Linjin Township, Yixing County. During the Yuanjia era (AD 424-453), Jiang Chongping, a resident of Jinling, was kidnapped by bandits. The bandits claimed that Jiang Chongping was taken along with Wu Xi and Zhang, who was Jiang Gong's wife's younger brother. At that time, Wu Xi was not at home, and the village was hit by a flood. Jiang Gong's five wives and children took shelter at his house to escape the flood. Since Wu Xi could not be found later, the authorities arrested Jiang Gong and his brother Jiang Xie for their alleged involvement. Both Jiang Gong and Jiang Xie admitted that Wu Xi had stayed at their house, but they had no knowledge of the bandits' activities. Jiang Gong stated that Wu Xi's wife and children were his relatives, and because his relatives had committed a crime, he was willing to take responsibility for them, and he requested that his brother Jiang Xie be released. Jiang Xie, on the other hand, said that he was the head of the family, and the incident originated with him, so he should be the one punished, and he requested the release of his brother Jiang Gong. The two brothers insisted on taking the blame for each other, and the county could not reach a verdict, so the case was escalated to higher authorities. After discussion at the state level, it was concluded: "People who value propriety prioritize righteousness, while selfish people prioritize personal gain. Nowadays, moral standards are in decline, and everyone is selfish and self-centered. Even those who diligently study the teachings of sages sometimes fall short, let alone rural people who have not read the books of sages. Yet they can still understand each other and willingly bear unpredictable responsibilities. This sense of loyalty is indeed rare! The actions of Jiang Gong and Jiang Xie are exceptional, a rare story from a prosperous time! Their actions are already commendable enough, so why should they be punished by legal statutes? Besides, Wu Xi was away on business and was kidnapped elsewhere. The incident originated outside the area, and no stolen property was returned to their home. It's likely that their village was unaware of the situation. They should not be held responsible." Therefore, the state ordered their release, restored their citizenship, and appointed Jiang Gong as the magistrate of Yicheng County and Jiang Xie as the magistrate of Yiyi County.
Xu Geng, from Yanling in Jinling, started as a junior official and later was promoted to magistrate of Pingyuan County. In the twenty-first year of Yuanjia, there was a severe drought, and the people were suffering from hunger and poverty. Xu Geng ran to the county office and wrote a letter to the county magistrate, saying, "This year's drought is severe, and there is no harvest of crops. The common people can only scavenge for food to survive. The emperor is already very sympathetic to the people and wants to find ways to help the disaster victims. However, this drought has lasted too long, too many people are affected, grain prices have soared, and buying grain is too difficult. It's already late spring and summer is passing by; if we don't act quickly, it will be too late. I'm not looking for accolades; I'm genuinely concerned for the people, just like the song 'Lu Ming' says. I hope to be as resilient as wild grass and empathize with others. How can I not feel sadness? The people have finally bought some grain, but can only barely sustain their livelihoods. Although my abilities are limited, I'll do my part. Now I am donating one thousand hu of grain to support official disaster relief efforts. Harvests have been poor in recent years, especially this year, and the Jinling area has been severely affected. Although our county is relatively poor, there are still some wealthy families with large amounts of land; their grain harvests have been plentiful, with minimal losses. Their grain is piled up like mountains, thousands of hu, while the suffering of the drought falls on the poor; those wealthy families all have money. I believe these wealthy families should also step up to support disaster relief efforts, so we can get through this tough time. They have little to lose, but can help many people. I'm now taking the lead in donating grain, hoping to inspire others to chip in too. I genuinely hope to contribute more to the country, just like digging wells or raising dust." The county magistrate reported his words to the court. At that time, the court officials compared him to the Han Dynasty's Bu Shi; the emperor even praised him in a decree and promoted him to magistrate. In the eighth year of Daming, there was another famine in the east, and Yan Cheng of Donghai and Wang Daogai of Dongguan each donated five hundred hu of grain to help the disaster victims.
Sun Fazong, from Wuxing. His father was killed in the chaos of war, and his body was left unburied; his mother and brother also starved to death. Sun Fazong endured hardships and slept outdoors, struggling alone. It was very difficult for him to raise enough money to give his parents and siblings a proper funeral. Although simple, it was a respectful affair. Because his father's death was mysterious, he searched tirelessly for his father's remains, even watering the ground with his own blood. After searching in vain for more than a decade, he finally donned mourning attire. He never married or accepted gifts from others. In the early years of the reign of Emperor Taizu, the government of Yangzhou invited him to work as a literary officer, but he declined.
Fan Shusun, a native of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, was kind-hearted and generous from a young age, always helping others despite his own poverty. When the entire family of his fellow villager Fan Faxian succumbed to a plague, leaving only Fan Faxian, who was gravely ill and had gone unburied for months, Fan Shusun prepared a coffin and burial supplies and personally conducted their burial.
Similarly, when another villager, Shi Yuanfu, fell gravely ill and his parents passed away without anyone to take care of the funeral arrangements; when the Wei Jingzong family fell ill, resulting in two deaths; and when neighbors were too scared to approach, Fan Shusun buried them all and personally cared for the sick, resulting in their recovery. The villagers admired his selfless acts and referred to him with respect. During the reign of Emperor Xiaojian of Song, the court appointed him as the General of the Central Army of the Jingling Kingdom, but he declined the position.
Yixing Wuguo Fu was another man of great loyalty. When someone stole his rice, he not only let it go but also returned the rice to the thief, hosted a feast, and even gifted him some rice.
Bu Tianyu, from Yu Hang, Zhejiang, was the son of Bu Zu, a brave and strong man. When Xu Chi was the magistrate of Yu Hang, Bu Zu followed him. After Xu Chi's death, Emperor Gaozu heard of Bu Zu's abilities and appointed him as a squad leader, taking him into battle and later making him the Marquis of Guanzhong. Bu Tianyu was not only skilled in archery but also possessed remarkable arm strength, had a serious and dignified appearance, and rarely smiled. Emperor Wu appointed him to teach the prince archery due to his father's service. He served as the captain of the White Robe Guards for many years, responsible for the defense of Dongye. In the 27th year of the Yuanjia era, when Zang Zhi went to rescue Xuan Hu, Liu Xingzu guarded Baishi, Bu Tianyu led his soldiers to join them, and after the enemy retreated, he was promoted to the captain of the first imperial guard unit, winning the soldiers' respect through his genuine concern for their well-being. In the 29th year of the Yuanjia era, he was appointed as General Guangwei, in charge of the left flank, and also led the camp's salary.
One day, the traitorous scoundrels stormed into the palace, and the situation unfolded so suddenly! Former generals who followed the emperor, Luo Xun and Xu Han, were so scared that they quickly surrendered. Bu Tianyu, without time to put on armor, grabbed his sword and bow, shouting for those around him to follow him into battle. Xu Han asked him, "Your Highness comes here all the time; why are you only saying this now?" Bu Tianyu cursed, "You are the traitor!" and shot an arrow at the traitor Shao, barely missing his target. In retaliation, the traitors attacked him, breaking his arm and ultimately leading to his death. His subordinates Zhang Hongzhi, Zhu Daoqin, and Chen Man also followed him into battle and all perished in the fight.
Later, the emperor ascended the throne and issued a decree that stated: "A few days ago, those rebellious scoundrels rushed into the palace, and the situation unfolded suddenly. General Guangwei Hou Butian rushed up with weapons to rescue the emperor, bravely killed the enemies, and took down several traitors, but ultimately sacrificed himself heroically. His bravery was unmatched at that time, and his loyalty was comparable to the martyrs of ancient times! Thinking about this, I feel deeply saddened. He deserves a promotion and recognition for his loyalty! He is to be appointed General Longxiang, Governor of Yizhou, and posthumously honored with the title 'Zhuanghou'!" The emperor personally went to pay his respects. Zhang Hong and others also posthumously conferred upon him the title of county magistrate and provided financial support to Butian Yu's family.
Butian Yu's son, Bu Bozong, was a general in the palace. During Emperor Taizong's reign, he led troops into battle and defeated the rebels at Zheqi, but met a heroic end. Bu Boxing, the younger brother of Bu Bozong, rose to the rank of General and served as Taishou of Nanpingchang, and also served as the palace director, overseeing the emperor's ceremonial guards. In the first year of Emperor Shundi's Shengming era, he conspired with Yuan Can to revolt and was ultimately executed.
It seems like fate has it in for the Tian brothers. Tian Sheng has been a soldier since he was young, leading ten soldiers like a blazing torch, charging into battle everywhere. Behind their barracks, there is a large pit, more than two zhang wide. Ten people jumping together can all make it across, but Tian Sheng fell into the pit. This kid, Tian Sheng, is pretty clever. He found some thick and hard bitter bamboo, sharpened it and stuck it into the pit, making a simple bridge, then let the others jump again. The others were too frightened to take the leap, but Tian Sheng said, "I couldn't make it across before; I'll definitely fall into the pit again this time. If you're a real man, you should just accept your fate if you can't make it across. What's the point of living?" After saying that, he jumped over ten times and didn't fall once. Everyone were in awe of him. Because his brother died for the country, the emperor took a special interest in him. He was later promoted to be a military officer serving under the Prince of Xiyang and was also appointed as the Dragon Cavalry General. When following Shen Qingzhi to attack Guangling City, Tian Sheng pushed a cart to fill the moat and led hundreds of people to be the first to charge up the northwest corner of the city, straight to the city wall. The enemy had set up thick barriers to block their advance, and after days of fighting and still unable to take the city, they had no choice but to retreat. The emperor issued a decree to commend him: "Tian Sheng just entered the battlefield and charged to the enemy's camp, pushing the cart to fill the moat, leading the charge, truly brave and outstanding, admirable! Reward him with a thousand pieces of cloth to inspire the other soldiers." By the late Ming Dynasty, he had become the Prefect of Yiyang. During the reign of Taizong Taishi, he rebelled with Yin Yan, and the border monk Ling Su led troops to quell the rebellion and ended up killing them.
Xu Zhaoxian, from Yixing. His uncle Zhaozhi was imprisoned for a crime, and he still hadn't been sentenced after seven years. Zhaozhi had over twenty nephews and nieces, and Xu Zhaoxian's family was the poorest. Despite being the poorest, he took on all the legal matters by himself, hardly ever being at home. He would bring the best food to his uncle, spending all his family's savings and even selling their house. Zhaozhi's sons were too lazy to help, but Xu Zhaoxian persisted for a full seven years. Shen Yanzhi, the Minister of Works, admired his actions, and Zhaozhi was released because of this. Xu Zhaoxian's uncle and aunt both died of the plague, and they were too poor to afford the funeral. He sold his clothes just to cover the funeral costs. He raised his uncle's three young children. Xu Zhaoxian's parents were old and sick, with no servants to help, and he took care of them wholeheartedly, keeping the best food for his parents. His relatives praised him for being filial. The Governor of Yongzhou, Liu Zhendao, wanted him to serve as a military officer, but he turned it down to care for his elderly parents. The county asked him to be the chief scribe, but he declined since his uncle hadn't held an official position yet. During the early Yuanjia years, the Dongyang family in Xiyang was known for being wealthy, and the people in the village praised them. Yao Yin from Kuaiji was also very filial to his parents. In the early years of the Xiaojian period, Yangzhou invited him to be a literary officer, but he also turned it down.
My name is Yu Qimin, and I am from Jinling. I have been exceptionally filial since childhood, serving as a minor official in the county. My father, Yu Zhi, died at home in the second year of Daming due to illness, and the family observed mourning for him. Before the mourning notice arrived, I confided in others, "Recently, I've been feeling anxious and unwell all over, as if I'd been stabbed. I've been restless all the time; there must be something bad happening." The mourning notice arrived soon after, and I immediately returned home, traveling over four hundred miles in just one day. When I arrived at the door, I learned that my father had passed away. I cried out in anguish and fainted, taking a while to regain my composure. I asked my mother, "Did Father have any last words before he passed away?" My mother said, "Your father's biggest regret before he died was not seeing you." I said, "Was it really that difficult for us to meet?" After speaking, I cried out and fainted again in front of the memorial altar.
The local authorities reported to the imperial court, stating, "Commend the virtuous, reward good deeds; this principle has remained unchanged throughout history. Qimin's filial piety is truly moving, resonating with heaven and earth. His emotions are genuine, not feigned; his filial piety is pure and deep, reaching the heavens above. He knelt to ask about his father's last words, cried, and died. Although his deeds differ from those of Jie Zitui and Han Xin, his filial piety is the same as Yu Shun and Zhao Jianzi. Now the emperor is promoting diligence and changing customs, advocating for benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and music. Effective governance should begin with filial piety, and auspiciousness will naturally follow. Qimin's filial piety should be commended. Although Qimin is just an ordinary minor official, his behavior is noble and his character is pure. A monument should be erected in his honor to celebrate his filial piety." Therefore, his village was renamed Filial Piety Lane, his taxes were abolished, and his mother received a reward of one hundred bushels of grain.
Sun Ji is from Pengcheng. In the fifth year of the Zhengtong era, the court was drafting soldiers. Sun Ji's younger brother, Sun Sa, was late and violated military law, so he was facing arrest and imprisonment. Before a verdict was reached, Sun Ji ran to the county to plead, saying, "I can't bear to see our family suffer like this; please let me take the punishment for my brother!" Sun Sa also quickly stated, "Our family has fallen on hard times; it is right for me to be punished for my wrongdoing, and I must accept the consequences. We lost our father when we were young; I lost my father at the age of three and have always relied on my older brother. Although my brother might feel sorry for me, I cannot let him ruin his own future for me."
Zhang Dai, the magistrate, suspected they were putting on an act, so he interrogated the two brothers separately. He said to Sun Ji, "I have carefully considered your situation, and I will allow you to switch places." Sun Ji's face broke into a joyful smile upon hearing this, saying, "In that case, I will live tomorrow!" Zhang Dai then spoke to Sun Sa, who also happily said, "I am willing to die, as long as my brother is safe; I have no regrets!"
Sun Ji's wife, Lady Xu, also advised Sun Ji, "You are the pillar of the family; how can you push the blame onto your brother? Moreover, your father-in-law entrusted your brother to you before he passed away. Your brother still hasn't married; the family's days have not yet begun, and you already have two sons. What’s there to regret if you’re gone?" Zhang Dai reported this to the court, and the Emperor decreed, "Sun Ji and Sun Sa are both ordinary citizens, and their actions are commendable; therefore, they are pardoned." The state promoted them and rewarded Lady Xu with twenty bolts of cloth.
Previously, Xu Shi, the wife of Xu Yuan from Xincai, was 21 years old when her husband passed away, leaving behind their three-year-old son, Zhen Cai. Xu Shi's father pitied her for becoming a widow at such a young age and wanted to marry her off to Zhang Mai from the same county. Xu Shi vowed never to marry, but her father insisted on marrying her off to Zhang Mai. Xu Shi attempted suicide by hanging herself, but after hanging for half a day, her family managed to rescue her. Zhang Mai realized it was futile to force her, so he sent Xu Shi back to her parents' home that night. Xu Shi returned to her family and cared for Xu Yuan's father until the old man passed away at over eighty years old, during the Yuanjia era.
In the second year of Taishi, Xi Qingsi from Changcheng killed Qian Zhongqi from the same county. Qian Zhongqi's son Qian Yanqing was working in the capital at the time and hurried back upon hearing about his father's death. He ran into Xi Qingsi at Gengpu Dai and killed him right there, then turned himself in at the Wucheng County office. Chi Yong, the Prefect of Wu Xing, reported to the court, requesting that Qian Yanqing not be held accountable, and the court approved.
He Ziping was from Lin County, Lujiang Commandery. His great-grandfather, He Kai, served as an official during the Jin Dynasty. His grandfather, He You, was a consultant for King Sima Daozi of Kuaiji. His father was named He Xian and served as the Prefect of Jian'an. The He family had lived in Kuaiji for generations, and he was well-known in the village for his ambition and good character from a young age. He was especially filial to his mother.
Later, the Governor of Yangzhou appointed him as a historian, and he received a monthly salary of white rice, but he always traded it for brown rice and wheat. When asked why he bothered to trade it, He Ziping said, "My mother is old, and we need enough rice at home. How could I eat white rice alone?" Whenever someone brought fresh dishes, if he couldn't get them home to his mother in time, he would refuse to take them.
His mother was originally a secondary wife, and there were discrepancies in the household registration records. The actual age of his mother had not reached the age to enjoy retirement benefits, but the age listed on the household registration had already reached the required age. Therefore, He Ziping resigned from his official position and returned home to care for his mother. At that time, General Gu Ji, who was in charge of auditing household registrations in Yangzhou, told He Ziping, "Your mother's actual age has not reached eighty years old; everyone knows this. The state still has a meager salary; you should request to stay and continue serving as an official." He Ziping said, "Government matters should be handled with integrity, according to the age shown on the household registration. Since the age listed on the household registration has been reached, I must return home to care for my mother. How can I be greedy for an official position and salary just because my actual age hasn't reached that yet? Besides, my wish to return home and fulfill filial piety is more important than anything else." Gu Ji advised him again, saying that he could request a position as a county magistrate because of his mother’s old age. He Ziping said, "My mother's age has not reached the age to enjoy retirement benefits; how could I possibly lie to get an official position?" Gu Ji respected him even more. After returning home, He Ziping worked hard and did his best to support his mother.
In the year 453 AD, a regicide case that shocked the court and the public occurred. General Wang Dan of the Eastern Expedition led troops to suppress the rebels, and my father accompanied the army as a staff officer. Because the rebellion was too brutal, causing nationwide outrage, my father voluntarily resigned from his official position. After the situation calmed down, the court offered him a position, but he did not accept it. Finally, he was appointed as the magistrate of Haiyu County in Wu County. The salary of the magistrate was barely enough to support his mother, and he and his wife never took a penny. Some people considered him overly frugal, even somewhat shabby, and his father said, "I seek a salary to honor my mother, not for my own benefit." The person who asked the question listened and left feeling ashamed.
After the death of his mother, the father resigned from his position to mourn, grieving so excessively that it went beyond the prescribed rituals. Every time he cried, he would cry until he fainted, taking a long time to recover. During the late Ming Dynasty, the eastern region faced famine, followed by war, and he was unable to bury his mother for a full eight years. Day and night he cried out, beat his chest and stomped his feet, his sorrow never ceased, his cries of grief as intense as the days immediately after the burial. He didn't wear cotton clothes in winter or seek coolness in summer, eating just a few bowls of plain rice porridge each day, not even adding salted vegetables. The house he lived in was dilapidated, leaking rain and letting in the wind. His nephew wanted to cut down bamboo to fix the house, but the father disagreed, saying, "I have not yet fulfilled my filial duties, feeling ashamed before heaven and earth, how can I live in this house?" Later, Cai Xingzong became the governor of Kuaiji and greatly admired and praised the father. Only in the sixth year of Taishi was a tomb and coffin built for his mother. During the mourning period, the father suffered physically and mentally, becoming frail and weak by the end of the mourning period. He had always been strict with himself since childhood, placing great importance on moral cultivation. Even in private, he was as cautious as when receiving important guests. He studied Confucian ethics and was extremely careful in his dealings with others, content with a simple life and never chasing after wealth or glory. He was truly indifferent to fame and fortune, yet this only earned him more respect from others. In the first year of Song Shundi (442 A.D.), he passed away at the age of sixty.
It is noted by historians that during the Han Dynasty, intellectuals emphasized self-cultivation, leading to loyalty and filial piety becoming societal norms. Even when riding in grand carriages and donning elaborate official robes, one had to possess these qualities. By the time of the Jin and Song Dynasties, societal morals declined and ethical standards eroded, with people only pursuing fame and wealth, and few striving for self-improvement and the cultivation of moral character. Individuals like my father, who demonstrated filial piety to their parents and loyalty to the nation, as recorded in historical texts, mostly hailed from the common folk rather than the high-ranking officials. When viewed through this lens of societal education, isn't that a disgrace for the nobles and officials?
