笑比河清 — “To describe someone who is exceptionally stern and serious”

Bao Zheng was a renowned official during the Northern Song Dynasty, famous for his strict impartiality and integrity.

While serving in Duanzhou, he strictly limited the production of tribute inkstones to the exact imperial requirement, preventing the exploitation of local people.

As Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he advocated for reclaiming fertile land used for horse pasturing in Xing and Zhao prefectures, returning 15,000 hectares to farmers, which greatly benefited the local population.

When he became the Prefect of Kaifeng, the capital city, he reformed the judicial process by allowing commoners to directly present their grievances in court, bypassing corrupt officials.

During a major flood in Kaifeng, Bao Zheng discovered that many powerful families had built gardens and pavilions on river channels, obstructing water flow. He ordered them to be demolished within a set period. One powerful family refused, presenting a forged land deed. Bao Zheng swiftly demolished their structures after confirming the forgery and reported the matter to Emperor Renzong.

Because of his unyielding and incorruptible nature, Kaifeng became well-ordered within a year. Powerful families feared him, saying it was 'easier to see the Yellow River clear than to see Bao Gong smile' (笑比河清). However, the common people greatly respected and loved him, often saying, 'If appeals fail, there's Judge Bao.'