“Chen Ping: A Tale of Virtue and Fortune”

Chen Ping, known as Ping, hailed from the village of Huyou in Yangwu, an ancient land under the jurisdiction of Chenliu County. From a young age, his family knew poverty but cherished learning. He owned thirty mu of land and lived modestly with his elder brother and sister-in-law. His brother, tending the fields, generously supported Ping’s pursuit of education.

Ping was a man of striking appearance, and some would jest, “How does such a poor man thrive so?” His sister-in-law, jealous of Ping’s disregard for household affairs, would retort, “He subsists on husks and chaff.”

This remark led Ping’s brother to expel his wife. As Ping matured and sought a wife, wealthy suitors shunned him. Even Ping felt ashamed among the poor suitors.

One wealthy figure in Huyou, Zhang Fu, had a granddaughter who was widowed five times before marriage. No one dared wed her. Ping desired her hand. During a local mourning period, Ping, impoverished, served diligently. Seeing his commitment, Zhang Fu approached him. Their house was a humble one, with tattered mats for doors, yet outside lay the marks of distinguished carriages.

Returning home, Zhang Fu spoke to his son Zhang Zhong, “I wish to give my granddaughter to Chen Ping.” Zhang Zhong replied, “Ping is impoverished and does not attend to matters. The entire county laughs at him. Why give him our daughter?” Zhang Fu reasoned, “Is there anyone with the beauty and virtue of Chen Ping, yet persisting in poverty?”

Eventually, Zhang Fu consented to the marriage. To ease Ping’s financial burden, they extended loans and provided him with funds for feasts. Zhang Fu cautioned his granddaughter, “Do not neglect propriety due to poverty. Treat your brother-in-law as you would your father, and your sister-in-law as your mother.”

Once Ping married Zhang’s granddaughter, their prosperity grew, and Ping’s influence expanded. In his village, he was appointed as the head of the local social group, ensuring fair distribution of resources.

Elders praised him, saying, “Chen Ping is an exemplary leader!” To which Ping humbly replied, “If I could govern the world as I do the meat distribution here, it would be equally just!”

When Chen Sheng rose to claim the throne and sent out Zhou Shi to conquer the Wei territories, Ping, having earlier declined his brother’s hospitality, joined Wei King Jiao at Linji. Despite his efforts to persuade the Wei King, he was appointed as Grand Prefect. Unsuccessful in persuading King Jiao, Ping left.

Years later, Xiang Yu advanced to the north. Ping joined him, aided in the fall of Qin, and was rewarded with a title and an official position. When Xiang Yu became the King of Chu and Han returned to rule Qin’s three territories, King Xiang faced an uprising from King Yin of Chu. Ping was appointed as the trusted warrior and sent to persuade the King Jiao’s guest to return and fight against King Yin.

King Xiang made Ping the City Commanding Officer and awarded him with twenty pieces of gold. Shortly after, King Han’s army attacked King Yin. Xiang Yu was furious and ready to kill the officers and generals who had subdued King Yin. Chen Ping was afraid of being killed, so he returned the gold and the seals and sent an envoy to Xiang Yu, walking with a cane and a sword. Crossing the river, the boatmen saw the handsome man walking alone and thought he was a deserter. They wanted to kill Ping in the middle and have gold, jade, and treasures. Ping was afraid, so he took off his clothes and stabbed the ship. The boatmen knew he had nothing, so they stopped.