Redeeming a Slave
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Yan Ying, prime minister of Qi, saw a man taking a rest by the road with a bundle of firewood beside him. But he did not look like a common laborer.
“What’s your name?” asked Yan Ying. “What do you do for a living?”
“My name is Yue Shifu. I am an indentured slave.”
Yan Ying took pity on him. He redeemed him from his master for the cost of a horse and invited him to ride with him. When he got home, Yan Ying went straight in without a word, leaving Yue Shifu at the gate. He did not come out for a long while. Yue Shifu was offended and declared that he would have nothing to do with Yan Ying.
Yan Ying was upset. “I’ve just met you. But I redeemed you. Isn’t that good enough? Why are you so easily offended?”
“A gentleman can put up with those who don’t understand him,” Yue Shifu replied, “but will expect to be treated as equal by those who do. I’ve been working as a slave for three years. Nobody knew me or cared for me. Since you redeemed me, I thought you were my friend. But you didn’t treat me like a gentleman. You were not courteous when we were riding in the carriage. I thought you just overlooked your manners. You were outright rude to keep me waiting for so long outside your house. I’d rather be somebody else’s slave than be treated like a slave by someone whom I take for a friend.”
Yan Ying immediately apologized and treated Yue Shifu like a guest of honor. Yue Shifu proved a man of great ability and integrity.
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Wise Proverbs
- Who loves others is loved by others; whoever benefits others is benefited by other.
- 爱人者，人必从而爱之；利人者，人必从而利之。
- It is better to rectify mistakes in time.
- 过而能改，善莫大焉。
- The virtuous help others to fulfill good deeds but not evil conduct.
- 君子成人之美，不成人之恶。
Editor Says:
To treat those who receive your help with dignity is not only good manner, but good character.