The Wise Ban Jieyu
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Ban Jieyu was a concubine of Emperor Cheng of Han. Not only was she very beautiful, she was also intelligent and wise. As she was well-versed in music and literature, she quickly became a favorite of the emperor.
One day, the emperor decided to go on a trip. He invited Ban Jieyu to join him in his carriage. However, Ban Jieyu declined his invitation and said, “The wise emperors of the past chose to ride with their ministers. Only fallen emperors chose to ride with their concubines. If we ride together, it may tarnish your reputation.” The emperor felt that Ban Jieyu’s words were right. So, he listened to her advice.
As time passed, the emperor grew fonder of the Zhao Feiyan sisters and gradually grew apart from Ban Jieyu. One day, the Zhao Feiyan sisters plotted to frame Ban Jieyu. They lied to the emperor that Ban Jieyu practiced witchcraft and wanted to curse him. Upon hearing this, the emperor flew into a rage and ordered the arrest of Ban Jieyu. The emperor then asked Ban Jieyu why she wanted to curse him. Ban Jieyu replied calmly, “I’ve heard that how long a man lives is determined by Heaven. Good people do not necessarily win the favor of the gods, let alone bad people. If the gods heard that I wanted to curse you, they would surely think I am a bad person and reject my request; and if the gods did not hear my request, of what use would the curse be? Therefore, I would never practice witchcraft.” After hearing her words, the emperor calmed down and remembered his past feelings for her. He ordered the release of Ban Jieyu, and gave her a lot of gold.
