Family Line
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A man and his mother were walking in the street. They ran into a drunkard who hurled insults at the mother. In a rage, the man killed the drunkard. Subsequently he was apprehended and brought before Magistrate Wu You.
“I understand your anger at the time,” said the magistrate. “But, as a filial son, you should have thought about the consequences of your action. You’ve broken your mother’s heart and got your family into trouble. I can’t forgive you. It would be against the law. But it is very hard for me to sentence you to death.”
The man was remorseful. “I do appreciate your sympathy, Your Honor. I’ve committed a capital offense. I’m sorry.”
“Are you married?”
“Yes, but my wife and I don’t have a child yet.”
Magistrate Wu You decided to allow his wife to stay with him in a private cell until she was pregnant.
On the eve of his execution, the man’s mother came to bid him farewell.
“I’m sorry, Mother. I’m going to die. But how can I return Magistrate Wu You’s kindness?” He bit his finger and made a vow. “Please tell my wife to name my child ‘Wu Sheng.’ And tell my child not to forget what Mr. Wu has done for us.”
That night he hanged himself.
“Wu Sheng” meant a life given by Mr. Wu. It was the convict’s way to honor a man who had helped him fulfill his filial duty of continuing his family line.
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Wise Proverbs
- Think thrice before you act.
- 三思而后行。
- Kind deeds are the fruits.
- 仁慈的行为是果实。
- 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:
Magistrate Wu You deserved kudo as he managed to fulfill both his moral and legal obligations in this case.