ExclusiveTraditional Chinese Tales: Zhang Weiyan—The Secret to Changing One's Destiny

Jiang Weiyan, the secret to changing one's destiny. During the Ming Dynasty, there was a scholar named Jiang Weiyan from Jiangyi. He was well educated and an accomplished writer, gaining significant recognition among scholars. In the year of Jiawu, he traveled to Nanjing to take the provincial examination and he stayed at a temple. On the day the results were announced, he was furious to find out that his name was not on the list. He angrily criticized the examiners for their lack of insight and inability to recognize his talent. At that moment, a Daoist priest nearby smiled at him, which only fueled Jiang's anger and he turned his frustration to the priest. The Daoist said, it's clear that your writing must not be very good. This infuriated Jiang further and he countered, you've never read my work, so how can you judge its quality? The priest replied, I often hear that good writing requires a calm and peaceful heart. From a scholar's demeanor and behavior, one can gauge their character and education. Seeing you ranting and complaining with a heart full of discontent, how could your writing be good? After hearing this, Jiang found the Daoist words to be quite reasonable and felt ashamed. He then asked the priest for guidance. The priest said, whether you pass or fail depends on fate. If it is destined that you will not succeed, no matter how well you write, it will be of no use. You must make some changes within yourself. Jiang Weiyan asked, if it's all predetermined, how can I change it? The priest replied, destiny is arranged by heaven, but it's shaped by our actions. By doing good deeds and accumulating virtue, you will naturally reap good rewards. Why worry about a lack of blessings? Jiang Weiyan sighed, I am just a poor scholar. What good deeds can I do? Even if I want to do good, I am powerless. The priest responded, doing good and accumulating merit fundamentally depends on the cultivation of the heart. Always maintain a kind heart and never forget to do good for others. You will naturally accumulate immeasurable merit. Take humility as an example. It doesn't require any money. Instead of reflecting on your own shortcomings when you fail the exam, why do you complain about the unfairness of the examiners? After listening to the priest, Jiang Weiyan was deeply moved. From that day forward, he changed his arrogant and self-satisfied ways, diligently cultivating virtue and doing good, constantly reflecting on his actions and his character improved steadily. Three years passed like this. One night, he dreamt that he entered a grand building where a list of successful candidates was displayed. He noticed many blank spaces in the list. Curious, he asked someone nearby who replied, This is the list of this year's successful candidates. Jiang Weiyan then asked, Why are there so many blanks? The person explained, Every three years, the underworld assesses those who have attained fame in the world. Only those with virtue and no wrongdoing can be listed here. The blank spaces indicate those were originally set to be accepted but were removed due to recent misconduct. The person pointed to a line and said, You have been humble and self-disciplined, speaking cautiously and acting carefully over the past three years. Perhaps your name should be added here. I hope you cherish yourself and avoid mistakes. In that year's examination, Jiang Weiyan indeed ranked 105th. While talent is crucial for passing exams, virtue forms the foundation of true blessings. Three years earlier, Jiang Weiyan had not understood this principle. He was somewhat talented but had an inflated self-image. When he was not recognized, he became resentful, creating unnecessary troubles for himself. True humility does not deny or conceal one's abilities, but rather embraces a willingness to step back, reflect, and improve oneself. Only then can one calmly view the gains and losses in life and naturally receive appropriate rewards. It may seem incredible, but it is indeed the result of effort leads to natural success.