This article profiles Emperor Wen of Han, a humble and compassionate reformer. He abolished collective punishment and cruel corporal penalties, inspired by a young girl’s plea. He cut taxes, practiced frugality, and cared for the vulnerable, laying the foundation for the golden “Rule of Wen and Jing.”
4.19 The Master said, “While father and mother are alive, a good son does not wander far afield; or if he does so, goes only where he has said he was going.”