ExclusiveTraditional Chinese Tales：Fan Zhongyan Firmly Upholding Justice

Fang Zhongyan Firmly Upholding Justice During the Song Dynasty, when Fang Zhongyan served as the governor of Zhezhou, someone once asked him to write an inscription. In the draft, he wrote about a scandal involving a nobleman. One night, Fang dreamt that the nobleman appeared before him and confessed, It's true that I did such a thing, but no one knew about it. Now that you've written it, it's exposed. I hope you can remove that part about my scandal. In his dream, Fang refused. Concealing this would tarnish my reputation. Since you've done it, and I'm not someone to flatter, I cannot remove it. The nobleman threatened Fang. If you don't remove that, I will take away your eldest son. Fang replied, Life and death are predetermined by fate. I will not remove it. Soon after, Fang's eldest son fell ill and died. A few days later, Fang dreamt of the nobleman again who asked, Will you remove it or not? If you don't, I will take away another son of yours. Fang persisted. No, I shall not remove it. Not long after, Fang's second son fell ill. He dreamt of the nobleman again, who told him, Your eldest son's fate was to die, and it wasn't me who took his life. However, if you delete that passage for me now, I promise your second son will be safe and sound. Otherwise, I will take his life for real. Fang didn't obey. Shortly after, his second son recovered. Fang later became a prime minister. Not only did he become prime minister, but his second son also held governmental positions. Fang's descendants flourished, and blessings continued. Fang, who was known for being the first to show concern and the last to enjoy comforts, deserves eternal praise and remembrance.