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A Chinese Biographical Dictionary 953


reckless bravery, aided by the devotion of his people, succeeded in gaining a great victory. His reputation won over many of the rebels, especially as he burnt without looking at it their list of names which fell into his hands. In 1678 he was appointed Judge in Fuhkien, and induced the provincial authorities to pardon the beaten followers of Edng Ching-chung. In 1680 he became Governor, and distinguished himself by ransoming women and children enslaved by the Manchu soldiers daring the conquest of Chehkiang. In 1681 he was appointed Viceroy of Ghihli, and forthwith devoted all his energies to improving the condition of the people. Rain fell in answer to his prayers, and triple ears grew upon the stalks of grain. In 1682 he was appointed Viceroy at Nanking, where his arrival soon put all the officials on their best behaviour. Indeed, as he was known to go about in disguise, every strange greybeard was treated with extra respect. He worked day and night, and though extremely fond of wine, was almost a total abstainer. He founded the 1^ ^ College at Nanking. Accused by the Vice President of the Censorate of being in his dotage and under the influence of his servants, he was retained at his post by special Decree, and in 1684 was appointed acting Viceroy of Eiangsu aud Anhui in addition to his own duties. On the 1st of June he passed quietly away as he was sitting upright in his chair. He did not allow his family to live in his yamdn, and the officials who took an inventory of his effects found only a few cotton quilts and a little rice and salt. In times of scarcity he lived on bran porridge, which he shared with his subordinates; and on one occasion he is said to have punished his son for daring to buy him a fowl. Canonised as ;^ jjg .

Til Caii J^ jlp . 3rd cent. B.C. Wife of the famous Hsiang Chi. 2511 Seeing that her husband neglected his chances and ran great risks for her sake, she committed suicide. Ever afterwards Hsiang Chi