ancient china, chinese folklore, chinese narrative, chinese traditions, destiny, family, family ties, feng shui, heritage, inheritance, life lessons, moral lessons, morality, societal values, tradition, wealth, wealth and power

Wealth and Fate: The Salt Merchant’s Ambitious Son

Some individuals amass immense wealth through hard work, talent, opportune moments, or chance. Yet while some are able to retain their wealth, others can’t. Why is this? Is it pure coincidence, or is there an underlying inevitability to it? This can be attributed to the “fortune” predestined in one’s life. Imagine if a person’s life ...

Max Lu

Vintage open chest, coins on a wooden table, and a bright light from inside the chest.

Love for Family Marks the Foundation of Civilization

There have been enough disputes on the sensitive topic of people loving their own children more than other kids. A number of psychologists and educators have cautioned against this type of family love, saying it paves the way for the growth of favoritism and selfishness in the social fabric. University of London’s senior lecturer in ...

Raven Montmorency

Family of mom, dad, and child drawn in chalk on black slate as symbol of family love and respect for family members.

Family Ties: Everlasting Relationship of a Sister and Brother

If there is one everlasting relationship in this world, it is the relationship I have with my younger brother. We grew up on a farm in a remote village. One time, I stole 50 cents from my Dad’s drawer to buy a flowery handkerchief. My father realized the money was missing on the same day. So ...

Kathy McWilliams

A sister hugging her brother.

In Search of a Brother Thousands of Miles Away

At 6 years of age, Xiao Bei lost her parents in a car accident. She cried and screamed her heart out as any 6-year-old would. Her brother, 14-year-old Xiao Bao, neither cried nor screamed. He only held Xiao Bei closely until she fell asleep in his arms. Xiao Bei began to depend on Xiao Bao ...

Helen London

A car accident.