(Minghui.org) Wang Shu, born in Northwest China, was the imperial advisor to the Ming Dynasty's crown prince (Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644).
He was known for strictly upholding and promoting morality in the royal court and among the people. Wang was quoted as saying: “Kindness is but heaven's stipulation for proper human behavior.”
Before assuming the role of imperial advisor to the crown prince, Wang was Governor of Jiangsu Province. He was known for having saved over 2 million people during his tenure as governor.
On one occasion, a famine almost claimed the lives of countless citizens. Wang, disregarding imperial protocol whereby major decisions are to be approved by the royal court, distributed food amongst the citizens en masse. On other occasions, he also lent money to those in dire need, such as flood victims.
After serving as the Jiangsu Province Governor, Wang was promoted to Chief of Human Resources, a position above all other royal court officials.
He hung a couplet he wrote himself in the main hall of the Department of Human Resources. The couplet read: “Shame on those royal officials whom bribery visits their homes. Shame on those outside the royal court who send gifts to the capital.”
After hanging this couplet in the main hall, Wang made a point of advising all visitors not to bribe or accept bribes.
Wang was also reputed to always have the courage to express his opinions. During clashes of opinions, colleagues would welcome his input by asking, “Does Mr. Wang have something to say?” Sometimes colleagues would say, “Mr. Wang's written opinion is on its way.”
After a successful career, Wang died at 92 years of age. His large family, consisting of five sons and 13 grandsons, all enjoyed significant achievements.
Category: Traditional Culture
