强者反己 — “The powerful examine themselves”

In Huang County, there was a Xiàolián (a virtuous scholar recommended for official service) who aimed to acquire farmland. He initially bought the less fertile plots on the periphery, intentionally leaving the rich central land, hoping to obtain it at a lower price later.

However, when the fertile land was eventually purchased by others, he filed a lawsuit. In the courtroom, an exasperated farmer, unable to tolerate the injustice any further, spat on the Xiàolián's face.

Other Xiàolián present immediately rose to condemn the farmer. At this moment, a local gentry intervened, stating, 'The Xiàolián's face is indeed a face, but the commoner's mouth is also a mouth.' This remark subtly urged the powerful to reflect on their own actions and consider the legitimate grievances of ordinary people, emphasizing that their perceived dignity should not overshadow the truth.