Sima Qian (c. 145 or 135 BCE – ?) was a preeminent historian and literary figure of the Western Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Zichang, and he was born in Xiayang (south of present-day Hancheng, Shaanxi). He was the son of Sima Tan, the Grand Historian (Taishi) of Emperor Wu’s court.
An Youyu, an outstanding scholar from Shaanxi, was generous and loyal to his friends. He also loved to free captive animals. When he saw hunters capturing animals or birds, he would not hesitate to buy the game and set it free.
Liu Fanghua lived in Baoding, Hebei Province, and was the richest man in this village. His generosity often attracted hundreds of visitors to his house. He was always ready to help others and never spared an expense. Relatives and friends often failed to pay back the money borrowed from him. Only one visitor from…