(Clearwisdom.net) Zhang Zhichang lived during the Northern Song Dynasty
(960-1127). He was kind, forgiving and generous. In everything he did, he always
considered others.
Zhang Zhichang studied at the Imperial College. In feudal China this was the
school for the Central Authorities, and it was considered to be the highest,
most reputable institution in ancient China's educational system. While he was
there, his family asked someone to take him ten liang (about 17.6 ounces) of
gold. The person he shared his room with opened the box and took the gold when
Zhang Zhichang was out.
The school officials summoned the roommate, searched the room, and found the
gold. Zhang Zhichang realized that if he claimed the gold was his, his roommate
would certainly be punished. In addition, in the eyes of the masses, his
roommate would be terribly shamed. Accordingly, he said, "That is not my
gold."
His roommate was so touched by Zhang Zhichang's kindness that he returned the
gold to Zhang Zhichang at night by hiding the gold in some clothing. Zhang
Zhichang knew that his roommate was very poor, so he gave him half of the gold.
Everyone praised Zhang Zhichang for giving gold to his roommate, a deed that
everyday people can easily do. Not claiming his stolen gold, however, is not
something that just anyone could do. This showed that Zhang Zhichang always
considered others first, which is something that many people fail to do.
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