以身试法 — “To knowingly violate the law”

During the Western Han Dynasty, there was an upright and incorruptible official named Wang Zun from Gaoyang. His father died when he was young, and he was raised by his impoverished uncle. Wang Zun spent his days herding sheep, but he cherished books and would always carry some to read during his pasturing. Gradually, he developed deep admiration for the impartial and law-abiding officials he read about, hoping to become one himself someday.

One day, he pleaded with his uncle to help him secure a position in the county prison. Wang Zun was only thirteen at the time, and his uncle was astonished, saying, "You're still a child and don't understand the law. How can you work in a prison?" Wang Zun replied, "I've already learned a lot from books. I can always learn more from the warden later, can't I?" Unable to resist Wang Zun's persistent pleas, his uncle prepared gifts and asked someone to intercede with the warden. The warden then took Wang Zun on as a junior attendant.

After several years as an attendant, Wang Zun frequently dealt with legal and prison affairs, making rapid progress. Once, when he accompanied the warden to the Prefect's office, he caught the Prefect's eye and was kept on to handle clerical duties. A few years later, Wang Zun resigned to intensely study Confucian classics, after which he was reappointed to official service. Due to his strict and righteous enforcement of the law, he was gradually promoted, becoming a county magistrate, and later the Grand Administrator of Anding Commandery.

At that time, the officialdom in Anding Commandery was in great disarray. Some officials abused their power, oppressing the common people and indulging in tyranny. Upon his arrival, Wang Zun immediately began to rectify the administration. He issued clear directives to all officials under his jurisdiction, urging them to be loyal to their duties, lead by example, and serve as moral examples for their subordinates. He declared, "The law is merciless; do not attempt to challenge it with your own body."

There was a subordinate official in the commandery who was notoriously cruel and greedy, having amassed a great deal of ill-gotten wealth from the common people, causing immense public resentment. Despite Wang Zun's public notices, this official showed no signs of repentance. Consequently, Wang Zun had him arrested and brought to justice. A few days after being imprisoned, the corrupt official fell ill and died. Following this, Wang Zun also punished a number of powerful local tyrants who had committed serious crimes and refused to reform. As a result, Anding Commandery gradually became peaceful and orderly.