integrity, law-breaking, ming dynasty, Ming Taizu, strict governance

Zhu Yuanzhang’s Rule: An Iron Fist Against Corruption and Lawlessness

As the founder of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, also known as Ming Taizu, was determined to build a strong, powerful, and morally upright empire. One of his primary strategies involved strict governance and a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and lawbreaking, even among his family members. This commitment to justice and integrity profoundly affected the ...

Hermann Rohr

Zhu Yuanzhang.

How 2 Old Men Settled a Grave Injustice

There was a rich man named Chen Guorui in Wangjiang County, Shuzhou (now known as Wangjiang, Anhui). He started working by smelting iron ore and eventually became extremely wealthy. He wanted to find an auspicious burial place for his mother. After the news spread, feng shui masters came one after another, offering to divine an ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese cemetery.

The Virtuous Prime Minister Fan Chunren

Fan Chunren was the second son of the renowned Northern Song statesman Fan Zhongyan. As prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, Fan Chunren had a peculiar habit. Whenever he finished his work at the government office, he would change into simple, plain clothing as a part of his daily routine. From his youth to ...

Tatiana Denning

A statue of Fan Chunren.

Timeless Virtues: The Honesty and Frugality of Prime Minister Sima Guang

Sima Guang (1019-1086), a prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, also known by his courtesy name Junshi, was a native of Sushui Township in Xia County (present-day Shanxi Xia County), Shaanxi Province. He was a renowned historian. When Sima Guang was born, his father, Sima Chi, served as the Guangshan County magistrate in Guangzhou. ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of Sima Guang.

Integrity and Gratitude Lead to Blessings

To receive help from the heavens, one must first be a good person with integrity. Your deeds shape your fortune. As the saying goes: “You reap what you sow.” Planting seeds of kindness ensures a harvest of goodness. The scholar’s integrity There’s a story from the Ming Dynasty about Peng Jiao, a scholar on his ...

Mikel Davis

View of a cornfield at sunset.

Unwavering Integrity: Pei Huaigu’s Enduring Legacy in the Tang Dynasty

Pei Huaigu, a distinguished figure in the Tang Dynasty, is celebrated for his exceptional governance and unwavering integrity. His tenure as the prefect of Bingzhou marked a period of profound admiration and respect from the populace. During the Shenlong era, Pei’s consistent excellence in administrative achievements led to his promotion to the esteemed position of ...

Mikel Davis

Engraving on the lid of a Chinese wooden box showing birds and flowers.

A $50 Test Reveals People’s Honesty

A TV program called What Would You Do? has become very popular among American viewers and is hosted by John Quiñones. The aim of the program appears to test, to a certain extent, the honesty of the general public, whereby the staff will create a minor incident to see how ordinary people treat or handle ...

Emma Lu

A U.S. $50 note.

The Importance of Honesty: Timeless Lessons From Chinese History

In Chinese history, honesty and trustworthiness are foundational tenets of life. They are noble qualities and sentiments that convey esteem for others and respect for oneself. People are naturally opposed to the kind of promises that are fake and shallow, and even more so opposed to ugly acts of deceit and treachery. Here are some ...

Michael Segarty

Illustration of plum blossoms and a fisherman in Chinese painting style.

The Importance of Honesty: Lessons From Three Stories

In a world where shortcuts and quick fixes often seem tempting, the virtue of honesty remains a cornerstone of character. The following three stories underscore the importance of honesty, reminding us that honesty is not only a moral duty, but also a pathway to unexpected rewards. 3 results of honesty 1. A soldier’s surprise victory ...

Max Lu

Signpost with the words 'honesty,' 'integrity,' and 'ethics' on it.