PureInsight | July 20, 2007
[PureInsight.org] Nian Gengyao
was a senior general in the Qing dynasty. When he was guarding Xian, he
sought widely after talented people to be his aides. A scholar by the
name of Jiang Heng went there to seek a position on the advice of a
friend. General Nian was very appreciative of his ability. He said to
Jiang: "You are very likely to be the number one scholar next year."
Because of his prestige and power, many examination officers did not
even dare to go against his wishes.
After a few days there, Jiang Heng observed general Nian being
extremely arrogant and extravagant. He said to a friend: "General
Nian's virtue cannot match his power. I am afraid calamity will soon
fall upon him. Let us leave here right away." When his friend didn't
want to follow his advice, Jiang Heng used the excuse of illness and
left.
In less than a year, general Nian was executed because of some affair
and all his aides and staff were implicated. Only Jiang Heng was free
from trouble.
It looks like disaster usually stays away from people who do not seek fame and profit.
From Xiaoting Miscellaneous Records
Translated from: http://www.zhengjian.org/zj/articles/2007/7/13/44744.html
