7. The Hardships and Virtue of Shun
Chapter 1: A Dark Childhood
Shun was born by the Guishui River into a poor family. His mother died young, and his father, Gu Sou, was blind and violent. His stepmother was harsh and domineering. After she gave birth to her son Xiang, she treated Shun as an enemy.
By the age of three, Shun was already cooking meals. By five, he was working in the fields. His stepmother often found excuses to beat him, and his father, misled by her, sided against him.
One day, while fishing by the river, Shun rescued an old man from drowning. The man, seeing Shun’s kindness and intelligence, taught him how to read and study the stars. Shun learned eagerly, practicing writing with twigs on the ground under the moonlight. This secret joy became the only light in his otherwise dark childhood.
Chapter 2: Farming on Mount Li
At seventeen, Shun was driven out of his home by his stepmother. He went alone to Mount Li to farm. The land there was barren, and wild beasts roamed, but Shun did not complain. He carefully studied the soil and discovered that the humus on the hillside could grow millet. He then built terraces for farming.
More importantly, he helped nearby hunters improve their traps and taught women to recognize medicinal herbs. Gradually, people were moved by his kindness. Quarrels over land lessened, and his hut became a place where neighbors came to resolve disputes.
Chapter 3: At the Shores of Lake Lei
As Shun’s reputation spread, some grew jealous. At Lake Lei, others fought with him over fishing grounds. Instead of arguing, Shun gave up the richest waters and even taught his rivals better fishing methods. Ashamed, they became his loyal followers.
Most remarkable was Shun’s invention of the “fishing ban season.” During spawning times, he prohibited fishing, allowing nature to recover. Thanks to this, Lake Lei became the richest fishing area, and many tribes copied his practice.
Chapter 4: Innovating Pottery
While working at the Yellow River making pottery, Shun noticed that traditional pots were heavy and fragile. Through repeated trials, he improved kiln temperature control and produced lightweight, durable black pottery. Even more admirable, he shared this knowledge freely with all apprentices, raising the whole craft.
One day, a kiln collapsed in an accident. Shun rushed into the flames to save a trapped apprentice, suffering severe burns himself. Even during recovery, he continued teaching from his sickbed. His selfless spirit deeply moved everyone around him.
Chapter 5: The Family Ordeals
Emperor Yao heard of Shun’s virtue but wanted to test him through the harshest trial—his family.
Gu Sou and Xiang plotted against him. First, they tricked him into repairing a granary, then set it on fire. Shun used his wits, making a parachute from his hat, and escaped.
Next, Xiang pushed him into a well. But Shun had secretly dug a side tunnel and climbed out safely. Most astonishingly, after both attempts, Shun bore no grudge. He hurried home at night to reassure his family, fearing they might feel guilty if they thought he had died.
Chapter 6: Returning Good for Evil
Xiang took over Shun’s house and musical instruments, playing them all day. When Shun appeared alive, Xiang turned pale with fear. But Shun calmly said: “If you like these, keep them. I only hope our family lives in harmony.”
Xiang was ashamed. Slowly, even the violent Gu Sou softened, and the stepmother began to reflect on her actions. At last, the family was reunited, becoming a story admired by the locals.
Chapter 7: Governing with Virtue
After becoming emperor, Shun extended his belief in “leading with virtue” to ruling the state. On his tours, he did not travel with grand processions but lived and ate with the common people.
In the south, he helped mountain folk build terraces. In the north, he taught herders how to improve their pastures.
During famines, he was the first to cut palace expenses and share hardships with the people. When lords sent him treasures, he gave them away to poor tribes instead.
Chapter 8: Filial Piety that Moved the World
Even after ascending the throne, Shun insisted on bringing his father and stepmother to the capital, personally caring for them despite his ministers’ objections.
No matter how busy he was with state affairs, he always greeted them daily. Whenever he received rare food, he offered it first to his parents.
His deep filial piety touched everyone. Many tribal leaders who had once resisted him now willingly submitted. Historical records say: “Within the four seas, all honored Shun’s virtue.”
Chapter 9: Passing the Throne to Yu
In his later years, Shun realized that his own son, Shang Jun, lacked ability. Following Emperor Yao’s example, he sought out a worthy successor and found Yu, the man who had successfully tamed the floods. After years of testing and training him, Shun finally passed the throne to Yu.
At the abdication ceremony, Shun told him: “The throne is like standing on the edge of a deep abyss. Govern as you controlled the floods: guide the flow of the people’s hearts, do not block them.” This advice became a guiding principle for future wise rulers.
Chapter 10: His Final Journey South
Even after abdication, Shun still cared for the people. At the age of one hundred, he journeyed south to inspect the land of Cangwu. On the way, he caught a deadly fever. Knowing his end was near, he called Yu and gave him three instructions: lighten taxes, allow open speech, and appoint the worthy.
After speaking, he peacefully passed away. The people mourned as if they had lost their own parents. His two wives, Ehuang and Nuying, wept so bitterly by a bamboo grove that their tears stained the stalks, creating the legend of the “Spotted Bamboo.”
Shun’s life proved that hardship can destroy the weak but forge the wise. He showed that true power comes not from weapons, but from virtue. His belief in ruling through kindness and morality still flows in the lifeblood of Chinese civilization today.