Culture
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During the reign of Emperor Guangwu of Han, Dong Xuan served as Magistrate of Luoyang. A servant in the household of Princess Huyang – Emperor Guangwu’s elder sister – had committed murder in broad daylight, yet the princess sheltered him within her residence, preventing the officials from arresting him. Dong Xuan intercepted the princess’s carriage…
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The *Ledger of Merits and Demerits* is a traditional Chinese moral self-accounting system, originated from Neo-Confucianism, especially popular in Ming and Qing dynasties. A person records his good deeds (merits) and bad deeds (demerits) in a ledger, often assigning point values to each action. By regularly reviewing and balancing the score, they aim to improve moral conduct, accumulate merit, and…
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Ji Shengzi was training a fighting cock for King Xuan of Zhou. Ten days later, King Xuan asked whether the cock was ready. Ji Shengzi replied, ‘Not yet; it appears fierce, but this is merely a pretence.’ Another ten days passed, and King Xuan asked again. Ji Shengzi said, ‘It is still not ready; it…
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In Yangli, in the State of Song, there lived a man named Hua Zi, who, in middle age, suffered from forgetfulness. He forgets by evening what he picked up in the morning, and by morning what he was given in the evening; while out walking, he forgets to walk, and while indoors, he forgets to…
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Duanmu Shu was a descendant of Duanmu Ci (Zi Gong), a disciple of Confucius, and lived in the State of Wei during the Warring States period. Duanmu Shu inherited the vast fortune accumulated by his ancestors. He took no interest in worldly affairs, indulged his whims and led a life of luxury; the standards of…
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Zhao Xiang Zi sent his army to attack the State of Di, capturing the towns of Zuoren and Zhongren. When the messenger returned to report the victory, Zhao Xiang Zi was in the midst of his meal. Upon hearing the news, however, a look of concern crossed his face. Those around him asked, ‘This is…