河伯为患 — “Trouble or harm caused by corrupt practices or oppressive forces”

The idiom 'He Bo Wei Huan' (The River God Causes Trouble) originates from a story recorded in 'Baopuzi' and further illustrated by events in the Warring States period. According to legend, a man named Feng Yi drowned while crossing a river and was subsequently appointed as the River God (He Bo) by the Jade Emperor.

However, a more widely known story involving the River God happened during the reign of Marquis Wen of Wei in the Warring States period. Ximen Bao was appointed as the magistrate of Ye County in Wei.

Upon taking office, he investigated and discovered that the local elders (San Lao) and officials (Ting Yuan) were colluding with shamans to swindle money from the common people. These corrupt individuals terrorized the villagers, claiming, 'The River God demands a wife every year, otherwise, devastating floods will surely strike.' They not only extorted significant wealth from the populace but also caused the drowning of many innocent girls.

Determined to rectify these harmful local practices, Ximen Bao devised a plan to eliminate these corrupt elements. He cleverly told the elders and shamans that the chosen girl was not beautiful enough and that the River God would not be pleased. He then instructed the elders, officials, and shamans to convey this message to the River God themselves. Without further ado, he had them thrown into the river.

Afterward, Ximen Bao led the people in digging irrigation canals, diverting river water to nourish the farmland. From then on, the villagers lived prosperous and happy lives, no longer troubled by the so-called 'River God's problem' or the corrupt officials who used it as an excuse for their misdeeds.