Explore the remarkable story of Tian Qilang, a man who never forgot a meal's kindness, sought to vindicate his grievances even in death, and left a lasting legacy.
Wu Chengxiu was a native of Liaoyang who enjoyed socializing with well-known individuals. One night, Wu Chengxiu dreamt that someone told him, “Your friends are spread all over the country, but none of them have been chosen. Only one person can endure hardship with you. Why don’t you know him?” Wu Chengxiu asked, “Who is he?” The person replied, “Isn’t it Tian Qilang?” Wu Chengxiu woke up feeling puzzled. In the morning, he asked those he socialized with about Tian Qilang. Someone recognized Tian Qilang and said he was a hunter from the East Village. Wu Chengxiu respectfully visited Tian Qilang and knocked on his door with a riding whip.
Before long, a man in his twenties emerged. He had round tiger-like eyes, a slim waist, wore a greasy cap, and had a black knee-length apron with many white patches. He respectfully bowed with his hands folded in front of his forehead and asked where Wu Chengxiu came from. Wu Chengxiu introduced himself and explained that he wasn’t feeling well on his journey, hoping to rest at his place. He also inquired about Tian Qilang, to which the man replied, “I am he.” He then invited Wu Chengxiu inside. Inside, they entered a few dilapidated rooms supported by tree branches for walls. There were no chairs or stools to sit on. Tian Qilang laid a tiger skin on the ground for his guest to sit on. As Wu Chengxiu conversed with Tian Qilang, he found Tian’s words to be simple and sincere, and he liked him very much.
Wu Chengxiu promptly offered silver as living expenses to Tian Qilang, who initially refused. Wu Chengxiu insisted, and Tian Qilang accepted but later returned the silver to Wu Chengxiu. He repeatedly declined Wu Chengxiu’s offerings. Tian’s mother, elderly and dignified, came to the small room and sternly said, “I have only one son and do not wish for him to serve a distinguished guest like you!” Wu Chengxiu felt embarrassed and left the small room. On his way home, he pondered this encounter and couldn’t fathom its meaning.
Coincidentally, one of Wu Chengxiu’s attendants overheard what Tian’s mother had said behind the house. She had commented, “I just observed wrinkles on that young man’s face that indicate impending misfortune. I’ve heard that when you receive kindness from others, you should rush to help them in their times of need. The wealthy repay with money, but the poor repay with loyalty. Therefore, receiving excessive gifts without reason is not a good sign, and you might have to repay this person with your life.” Wu Chengxiu deeply admired Tian’s mother’s virtue and held Tian Qilang in even higher regard.
The next day, Wu Chengxiu arranged a banquet and invited Tian Qilang, but he declined the invitation. Wu Chengxiu went to Tian Qilang’s house, and as he sat down, he asked for some wine. Tian Qilang personally poured him wine and served dried venison, displaying both sincerity and politeness. After a day, Wu Chengxiu extended another invitation, and this time, Tian Qilang accepted. The two of them had a harmonious and joyful conversation.
Wu Chengxiu wanted to give silver to Tian Qilang, but he refused. Wu Chengxiu claimed it was for buying tiger skins, and then Tian Qilang accepted. However, when Tian Qilang went into the mountains for three days, he couldn’t catch anything because his wife fell ill, and he had to take care of her and couldn’t hunt. Ten days later, his wife passed away, and he had to spend some of the received silver on arranging her funeral. Wu Chengxiu personally came to offer condolences and conducted a high-standard ceremony. After his wife’s burial, Tian Qilang carried his bow and arrows, entering deep forests and mountains, hoping to repay Wu Chengxiu with game. Unfortunately, he couldn’t catch anything. Wu Chengxiu learned of the situation and constantly reassured Tian Qilang not to worry.
Wu Chengxiu earnestly wished for Tian Qilang to visit him when he could, but Tian Qilang was uneasy due to his debt and hesitated to go. So Wu Chengxiu proposed to take the tiger skins Tian Qilang already had at home as a way to motivate him. However, when Tian Qilang checked the skins, he found them damaged by worms and furless, making him even more despondent. Wu Chengxiu, upon seeing the damaged skins, said, “This is fine. I didn’t care whether they had fur or not.” He rolled up the skins and took them with him, inviting Tian Qilang to come along. Tian Qilang refused and returned home.
Realizing that the skins were insufficient to repay Wu Chengxiu, Tian Qilang took some provisions and went into the mountains. After several nights, he managed to catch an old tiger and gave it entirely to Wu Chengxiu. Wu Chengxiu was overjoyed, prepared food and drinks, and insisted that Tian Qilang stay for three days. However, Tian Qilang firmly declined. In response, Wu Chengxiu locked the door, preventing him from leaving. Wu Chengxiu’s guests thought Tian Qilang was uncouth and criticized Wu Chengxiu for his strange choice of friends. Despite that, Wu Chengxiu’s courtesy and respect towards Tian Qilang surpassed that towards his other guests.
Wu Chengxiu wanted to give Tian Qilang new clothes, but he refused. Wu Chengxiu took advantage of Tian Qilang’s sleep and secretly changed his clothes. Tian Qilang had no choice but to accept them. When he returned home, his son, acting on his grandmother’s orders, returned the new clothes and asked for his father’s old ones. Wu Chengxiu smiled and said, “Tell your grandmother that I’ve used the old clothes to make insoles for shoes.” From that day on, Tian Qilang sent game such as rabbits and deer to Wu Chengxiu every day, but he never accepted any invitation to visit.
One day, when Wu Chengxiu went to visit Tian Qilang, he was out hunting and hadn’t returned. Tian Qilang’s mother came out and said to Wu Chengxiu from behind the door frame, “Stop trying to entice my son; you have ulterior motives!” Wu Chengxiu respectfully bowed, feeling embarrassed, and left Tian’s house.
About half a year later, the family suddenly said, “Tian Qilang had a dispute with someone while hunting leopards and ended up killing a person. He has been taken into custody by the authorities.” Wu Chengxiu was greatly alarmed and hurriedly rode to check on him. Tian Qilang was already in custody, wearing restraints, confined in the prison. When Wu Chengxiu met him, Tian Qilang didn’t say much, only expressing, “In the future, please take care of my elderly mother.” Wu Chengxiu left the place with sorrow in his heart. He quickly used a substantial bribe to influence the local magistrate and also offered a hundred taels of silver to appease the victim’s family. After a little over a month, things settled down, and Tian Qilang was released and returned home.
Tian’s mother sighed and said, “My son’s life was saved by Master Wu; I can’t cherish it enough. I only wish Master Wu a lifetime without misfortune. That’s my son’s blessing.” Tian Qilang wanted to express his gratitude to Wu Chengxiu, but his mother advised, “You can go if you want, but there’s no need to thank Master Wu when you see him. Small favors can be acknowledged, but great favors cannot be repaid.” When Tian Qilang met Wu Chengxiu, he was comforted with gentle words. Tian Qilang only repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
While his family found Tian Qilang distant, Wu Chengxiu appreciated his honesty and integrity, treating him even better. From then on, Tian Qilang frequently stayed at Wu Chengxiu’s home for several days at a time. Whatever he gave, Wu Chengxiu accepted without further refusal or expectation of repayment.
On this particular day, it happened to be Wu Chengxiu’s birthday, and there were many guests and servants present. The guesthouse was fully occupied with visitors staying overnight. Wu Chengxiu and Tian Qilang slept together in a small room, while three servants slept beneath the bed on a pile of hay. In the middle of the night, when the second watch was almost over, the servants were already asleep, but Wu Chengxiu and Tian Qilang were still engaged in a lively conversation.
Suddenly, the sword hanging on the wall beside them sprang out of its scabbard, several inches high, making a “clang” sound and emitting a cold light like lightning. Wu Chengxiu was startled, immediately getting up, and Tian Qilang also rose and asked, “Who sleeps under the bed?” Wu Chengxiu replied, “Those are our servants.” Tian Qilang said, “Among them, there must be a wrongdoer.” Wu Chengxiu inquired how he could tell, and Tian Qilang explained, “This sword was purchased from a foreign land, and it has always been said that whoever it touches will die instantly. Passed down for three generations, it has beheaded thousands and remains as sharp as new. This sword makes a sound and leaps out of its sheath when it encounters evildoers, indicating that danger may be close. Master, you should be close to virtuous people and distant from wicked ones; perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope to avoid calamity.” Wu Chengxiu nodded earnestly.
However, Tian Qilang remained melancholic, tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep. Wu Chengxiu asked, “Misfortunes and disasters are preordained; why are you so deeply troubled?” Tian Qilang replied, “I fear nothing, but my heavy concern lies with my elderly mother.” Wu Chengxiu inquired, “Why has it suddenly reached such a point?” Tian Qilang responded, “As long as she’s safe, that’s all that matters.”
It turned out that among the three servants under the bed, one was named Lin’er, a cherished and favored servant whom the master adored. Another was a young servant, about twelve or thirteen years old, often called upon by Wu Chengxiu. The third was named Li Ying, the most stubborn and unruly, frequently engaging in disputes with Wu Chengxiu over trivial matters, leading to his frustration. That night, Wu Chengxiu quietly pondered the situation and suspected that Li Ying might be the culprit.
The following morning, Wu Chengxiu summoned Li Ying and kindly sent him away.
Wu Chengxiu’s eldest son, Wu Shen, married a woman named Wang. One day, when Wu Chengxiu was out, he left Lin’er in charge of the house. The chrysanthemums in the study were in full golden bloom. Wang thought that since her father-in-law was away, the study must be empty, so she went alone to pick chrysanthemums. At this moment, Lin’er suddenly rushed out and tried to seduce and harass her. Wang intended to escape, but Lin’er forcibly took her into the house. Wang cried and resisted, her face turning pale, and her voice growing hoarse.
Wu Shen rushed into the study, and only then did Lin’er release Wang and flee. When Wu Chengxiu returned home and learned of the incident, he angrily went to find Lin’er, but Lin’er had already disappeared. After two or three days, it was discovered that Lin’er was hiding in the home of a certain imperial censor. This imperial censor held an official position in the capital city, and his household affairs were managed by his younger brother.
Wu Chengxiu, in a spirit of camaraderie, wrote a letter to request Lin’er’s return. Surprisingly, the younger brother of the imperial censor ignored the request. Infuriated, Wu Chengxiu brought the matter to the attention of the county magistrate. Although the arrest warrant was issued, the constables didn’t make any effort to apprehend Lin’er, and the county magistrate showed no interest in the case.
Just when Wu Chengxiu was filled with anger and frustration, Tian Qilang happened to arrive. Wu Chengxiu said, “Your words have come true,” and proceeded to explain the situation to Tian Qilang. Tian Qilang’s face became sorrowful, and he remained silent throughout. He then simply got up and left.
Wu Chengxiu ordered his efficient servants to patrol and track Lin’er’s whereabouts. When Lin’er returned home at night, he was captured by the patrolling servants and brought to see Wu Chengxiu. Wu Chengxiu interrogated Lin’er, but Lin’er still uttered offensive words against Wu Chengxiu.
Wu Chengxiu’s uncle, Wu Heng, was an elderly man known for his integrity. Fearing that his nephew’s anger might bring calamity, he advised Wu Chengxiu to punish Lin’er according to the laws of the authorities. Wu Chengxiu followed this advice and had Lin’er taken to the official court. However, a letter from the imperial censor’s household reached the county, and the county magistrate released Lin’er, allowing the steward of the imperial censor’s household to take him away.
Lin’er became even more audacious and slanderous. He publicly accused his master’s daughter-in-law of having an illicit relationship with him. Wu Chengxiu, frustrated and helpless, became furious and rode to the imperial censor’s residence. There, he vented his anger with strong words and gestures. Neighbors intervened to mediate and console him, and eventually, he returned home.
However, the next day, a servant reported that Lin’er had been dismembered, and his body was discarded in the wilderness. Wu Chengxiu was shocked and relieved, as this incident allowed him to release some of his pent-up frustration. Shortly thereafter, he heard that the imperial censor’s household had accused him and his uncle, so they went for a confrontation. The county magistrate, without allowing any defense, intended to punish Wu Heng. Wu Chengxiu loudly declared, “The charge of murder is a false accusation! As for insulting the gentry, that is indeed my own doing and unrelated to my uncle.” However, the county magistrate seemed to ignore his words.
Wu Chengxiu, in anger and desperation, attempted to approach and save his uncle, but the constables, wielding rods, were the imperial censor’s lackeys. Wu Heng, an elderly man in his seventies, couldn’t withstand the beating and lost consciousness before they were even halfway done. Seeing that Wu Heng was close to death, the county magistrate decided not to pursue the matter further. Wu Chengxiu cried out in grief and anger, but the county magistrate acted as if he hadn’t heard him.
Wu Chengxiu had his uncle, Wu Heng, carried back home, filled with sorrow and frustration. He wanted to discuss the situation with Tian Qilang, but Tian Qilang had not visited even once to offer condolences. Wu Chengxiu wondered, “I have treated Qilang well, why is he suddenly treating me like a stranger?” He even suspected that Tian Qilang might be the one who killed Lin’er. However, he had second thoughts and considered, “If that were true, why wouldn’t he come to discuss it with me?” So, he sent someone to inquire at Tian Qilang’s home, but they found the gate locked, silence within, and even the neighbors had no information about Tian Qilang’s whereabouts.
One day, the younger brother of the imperial censor was in the county yamen, discussing matters with the county magistrate. In the early morning, as people were delivering firewood and water, a woodcutter suddenly approached, dropped his burden, drew a sharp blade, and headed straight for the younger brother of the imperial censor. The younger brother, in a panic, tried to defend himself with his hands, but the blade fell on his wrist, severing it. The woodcutter then struck again, finally beheading him. The county magistrate was greatly startled and fled in disarray. The woodcutter remained nervously vigilant, looking around.
A group of constables hastily closed the gates of the yamen, wielding clubs and shouting loudly. In response, the woodcutter took his own life by seppuku. Onlookers gathered to identify the body, and some recognized the woodcutter as Tian Qilang. The county magistrate, once his shock subsided, came out to examine the situation. He saw Tian Qilang’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood, still clutching the knife. As the county magistrate paused to inspect closely, the corpse suddenly sprang upright, decapitating the county magistrate before falling back down.
The yamen officials went to apprehend Tian Qilang’s mother and son, but they had fled several days earlier.
Upon hearing of Tian Qilang’s death, Wu Chengxiu rushed to mourn him, expressing profound grief. People speculated that Wu Chengxiu had instructed Tian Qilang to carry out the act. To avoid prosecution, Wu Chengxiu expended his family’s wealth and bribed those in power. Tian Qilang’s body remained in the wilderness for over thirty days, guarded by eagles and dogs. Wu Chengxiu eventually retrieved the body and gave him a dignified burial.
Tian Qilang’s son, who adopted the surname Tong and
Yi Shi Shi commented: Not easily accepting even a single coin of assistance is the behavior of those who never forget a meal’s kindness. How wise was Tian’s mother! As for Tian Qilang, his anger did not dissipate even in death, and he sought to vindicate his grievances. How extraordinary and remarkable! If only individuals like Jing Ke coul
《田七郎》
武承休，辽阳人，喜交游，所与皆知名士。夜梦一人告之曰：“子交游遍海内，皆滥交耳。惟一人可共患难，何反不识？”问：“何人？”曰：“田七郎非与？”醒而异之。诘朝，见所与游，辄问七郎。客或识为东村业猎者。武敬谒诸家，以马棰挝门。
未几，一人出，年二十馀，貙目蜂腰，着腻帢，衣皂犊鼻，多白补缀，拱手于额而问所自。武展姓字，且托途中不快，借庐憩息。问七郎，答云：“即我是也。”遂延客入。见破屋数椽，木岐支壁。入一小室，虎皮狼蜕，悬布楹间，更无杌榻可坐。七郎就地设皋比焉。武与语，言词朴质，大悦之。遽贻金作生计，七郎不受。固予之，七郎受以白母。俄顷将还，固辞不受。武强之再四。母龙钟而至，厉色曰：“老身止此儿，不欲令事贵客！”武惭而退。归途展转，不解其意。适从人于舍后闻母言，因以告武：先是，七郎持金白母，母曰：“我适睹公子，有晦纹，必罹奇祸。闻之：受人知者分人忧，受人恩者急人难。富人报人以财，贫人报人以义。无故而得重赂，不祥，恐将取死报于子矣。”武闻之，深叹母贤，然益倾慕七郎。
翼日，设筵招之，辞不至。武登其堂，坐而索饮。七郎自行酒，陈鹿脯，殊尽情礼。越日，武邀酬之，乃至，款洽甚欢。赠以金，即不受。武托购虎皮，乃受之。归视所蓄，计不足偿，思再猎而后献之。入山三日，无所猎获。会妻病，守视汤药，不遑操业。浃旬，妻奄忽以死，为营斋葬，所受金稍稍耗去。武亲临唁送，礼仪优渥。既葬，负弩山林，益思所以报武，而迄无所得。武探得其故，辄劝勿亟。切望七郎姑一临存，而七郎终以负债为憾，不肯至。武因先索旧藏，以速其来。七郎检视故革，则蠹蚀殃败，毛尽脱，懊丧益甚。武知之，驰行其庭，极意慰解之。又视败革，曰：“此亦复佳。仆所欲得，原不以毛。”遂轴鞟出，兼邀同往。七郎不可，乃自归。七郎念终不足以报武，裹粮入山，凡数夜，得一虎，全而馈之。武喜，治具，请三日留。七郎辞之坚，武键庭户，使不得出。宾客见七郎朴陋，窃谓公子妄交。而武周旋七郎，殊异诸客。为易新服，却不受，承其寐而潜易之，不得已而受之。既去，其子奉媪命，返新衣，索其敝裰。武笑曰：“归语老姥，故衣已拆作履衬矣。”自是，七郎日以兔鹿相贻，召之即不复至。武一日诣七郎，值出猎未返。媪出，踦门语曰：“再勿引致吾儿，大不怀好意！”武敬礼之，惭而退。
半年许，家人忽白：“七郎为争猎豹，殴死人命，捉将官里去。”武大惊，驰视之，已械收在狱。见武无言，但云：“此后烦恤老母。”武惨然出，急以重金赂邑宰，又以百金赂仇主。月馀无事，释七郎归。母慨然曰：“子发肤受之武公子，非老身所得而爱惜者矣。但祝公子终百年无灾患，即儿福。”七郎欲诣谢武，母曰：“往则往耳，见武公子勿谢也。小恩可谢，大恩不可谢。”七郎见武，武温言慰藉，七郎唯唯。家人咸怪其疏，武喜其诚笃，益厚遇之。由是恒数日留公子家，馈遗辄受，不复辞，亦不言报。
会武初度，宾从烦多，夜舍屦满。武偕七郎卧斗室中，三仆即床下藉刍藁。二更向尽，诸仆皆睡去，两人犹刺刺语。七郎佩刀挂壁间，忽自腾出匣数寸许，铮铮作响，光烁如电。武惊起，七郎亦起，问：“床下卧者何人？”武答：“皆厮仆。”七郎曰：“此中必有恶人。”武问故，七郎曰：“此刀购诸异国，杀人未尝濡缕。迄今佩三世矣，决首至千计，尚如新发于硎。见恶人则鸣跃，当去杀人不远矣。公子宜亲君子、远小人，或万一可免。”武颔之。七郎终不乐，辗转床席。武曰：“灾祥数耳，何忧之深？”七郎曰：“我诸无恐怖，徒以有老母在。”武曰：“何遽至此！”七郎曰：“无则便佳。”盖床下三人，一为林儿，是老弥子，能得主人欢；一僮仆，年十二三，武所常役者；一李应，最拗拙，每因细事与公子裂眼争，武恒怒之。当夜默念，疑必此人。诘旦，唤至，善言绝令去。
武长子绅，娶王氏。一日，武他出，留林儿居守。斋中菊花方灿，新妇意翁出，斋庭当寂，自诣摘菊。林儿突出勾戏，妇欲遁，林儿强挟入室。妇啼拒，色变声嘶。绅奔入，林儿始释手逃去。武归闻之，怒觅林儿，竟已不知所之。过二三日，始知其投身某御史家。某官都中，家务皆委决于弟。武以同袍义，致书索林儿，某弟竟置不发。武益恚，质词邑宰。勾牒虽出，而隶不捕，官亦不问。武方愤怒，适七郎至。武曰：“君言验矣。”因与告诉。七郎颜色惨变，终无一语，即径去。
武嘱干仆逻察林儿。林儿夜归，为逻者所获，执见武。武掠楚之，林儿语侵武。武叔恒，故长者，恐侄暴怒致祸，劝不如治以官法。武从之，絷赴公庭。而御史家刺书邮至，宰释林儿，付纪纲以去。林儿意益肆，倡言丛众中，诬主人妇与私。武无奈之，忿塞欲死，驰登御史门，俯仰叫骂。里舍慰劝令归。逾夜，忽有家人白：“林儿被人脔割，抛尸旷野间。”武惊喜，意气稍得伸。俄闻御史家讼其叔侄，遂偕叔赴质。宰不容辨，欲笞恒。武抗声曰：“杀人莫须有！至辱詈缙绅，则生实为之，无与叔事。”宰置不闻。武裂眦欲上，群役禁捽之。操杖隶皆绅家走狗，恒又老耄，签数未半，奄然已死。宰见武叔垂毙，亦不复究。武号且骂，宰亦若弗闻也者。遂舁叔归，哀愤无所为计。思欲得七郎谋，而七郎更不一吊问。窃自念：“待七郎不薄，何遽如行路人？”亦疑杀林儿必七郎。转念：“果尔，胡得不谋？”于是遣人探诸其家，至则扃寂然，邻人并不知耗。
一日，某弟方在内廨，与宰关说。值晨进薪水，忽一樵人至前，释担抽利刃，直奔之。某惶急，以手格刃，刃落断腕，又一刀，始决其首。宰大惊，窜去。樵人犹张皇四顾。诸役吏急阖署门，操杖疾呼，樵人乃自刭死。纷纷集认，识者知为田七郎也。宰惊定，始出覆验。见七郎僵卧血泊中，手犹握刃。方停盖审视，尸忽崛然跃起，竟决宰首，已而复踣。衙官捕其母子，则亡去已数日矣。
武闻七郎死，驰哭尽哀。咸谓其主使七郎。武破产夤缘当路，始得免。七郎尸弃原野三十馀日，禽犬环守之，武取而厚葬。其子流寓于登，变姓为佟。起行伍，以功至同知将军。归辽，武已八十馀，乃指示其父墓焉。
异史氏曰：一钱不轻受，正其一饭不忘者也。贤哉母乎！七郎者，愤未尽雪，死犹伸之，抑何其神？使荆卿能尔，则千载无遗恨矣。苟有其人，可以补天网之漏；世道茫茫，恨七郎少也。悲夫！