Han Yin, the Beggar Boy of the Market: A Tale of Resilience in Chang’an

Discover the inspiring story of Han Yin, a beggar boy in Chang'an, who faced adversity with unwavering determination.

Young Han Yin, a beggar boy from beneath the Wei Bridge in Chang’an, often begged at the market. The people at the market grew tired of him and poured dung on him. Soon after, he returned to the market to beg, his clothes clean as before. When the county magistrate learned of this, he arrested Han Yin and put him in chains and handcuffs. However, he quickly resumed begging at the market. The magistrate tried to arrest him again with the intention to kill him, but Han Yin left the area. The homes of those who had poured dung on him collapsed on their own, crushing over ten people. In Chang’an, there is a popular song: “When you see a beggar boy, offer him fine wine to avoid the disaster of collapsing houses.”

《汉阴生乞市》

汉阴生者,长安渭桥下乞小儿也。常于市中丐。市中厌苦,以粪洒之。旋复在市中乞,衣不见污如故。长吏知之,械收系,着桎梏。而续在市乞。又械欲杀之,乃去。洒之者家,屋室自坏,杀十数人。长安中谣言曰:“见乞儿与美酒,以免破屋之咎。”

1 thought on “Han Yin, the Beggar Boy of the Market: A Tale of Resilience in Chang’an”

Leave a Comment