嫉恶如仇 — “To detest evil and wrongdoing as fiercely as one would an enemy”

During the Western Jin Dynasty, most court officials came from imperial relatives and prominent families. Relying on their noble status, they enjoyed many privileges, living in extravagance and becoming increasingly corrupt. After Emperor Wu, Sima Yan, ascended the throne, his imperial harem alone had nearly ten thousand palace maids.

At that time, there was an upright official named Fu Xian. He served as Shangshu Zuo Cheng and Jizhou Cishi under Emperor Wu, and later as Situ Zuo Changshi. After Emperor Wu's death, Emperor Hui succeeded him, and Fu Xian was appointed Imperial Censor and Sili Xiaowei. He was known for his integrity and courage to speak frankly.

On one occasion, a severe famine struck various regions, causing countless common people to become displaced, leave their homes, and die from hunger and cold. Upon learning of these dire circumstances, Fu Xian immediately reported to Emperor Hui about the people's suffering from lack of food. However, Emperor Hui, puzzled, asked, "Then why don't they eat meat porridge?" Hearing this, Fu Xian was dumbfounded but patiently explained the common people's plight to the emperor.

After listening, Emperor Hui asked, "In your opinion, what should be done?" Fu Xian spoke bluntly, "Some court officials spend extravagantly; their daily food expenses reach ten thousand coins, while the common people live in dire poverty. Such luxury and corruption should be severely punished by the court, and those who repeatedly fail to mend their ways should be dealt with according to national law." Emperor Hui found this reasonable and said, "What you say makes sense. If you discover anyone wasting resources excessively and disregarding national laws, you may punish them according to regulations."

Consequently, Fu Xian immediately reported several individuals to the court. These arrogant nobles, who usually walked with their noses in the air, initially thought Fu Xian couldn't do anything to them and were nonchalant. However, Fu Xian did not get discouraged by these stubborn imperial relatives and nobility. He repeatedly submitted memorials to Emperor Hui, sharply pointing out, "The cost of luxury is worse than natural disasters."

Due to his persistent remonstrations, Emperor Hui finally made up his mind to dismiss some officials. From then on, court officials, fearing punishment, became more restrained. Thus, people praised Fu Xian as an official who was strict and "detested evil like an enemy."