Stories from Ancient China: Repaying a Favor

During the Spring and Autumn Period, the great General Wu Zixu, from the State of Wu led his soldiers in an attack on the State of Zheng. Zheng Ding Gong, King of the Zheng State, said, "Anyone who can make General Wu lead his soldiers back home and not attack us will receive a great reward." But no one could think of a way.

On the fourth day, a young fisherman came to see Zheng Ding Gong saying, "I know a way to stop Wu Zixu from attacking us."

Zheng Ding Gong asked, "How many soldiers and carriages do you need?"

The young fisherman shook his head and said, "I don't need soldiers or carriages. Neither do I need any food. All I need is this oar to fulfill this task."

The young fisherman put his oar under his arm and went to see Wu Zixu.

and As he beat his oar he sang, "Someone in the tent, someone in the tent, crossing the river and owes a favour. You carry the precious sword with great authority. Do you remember the old fisherman?"

Wu Zixu saw the oar in the young man's hand and asked, "Young man, who are you?"

The young fisherman said, "Do you see this oar in my hand, it belongs to my father. Didn't he save your life with it?"

Upon hearing his words Wu said, "Yes, I remember, when I was in danger before, a fisherman saved my life and I want to repay him for that. You are his son, but why are you here?"

The young man said, "That is because you want to attack our state. All the fishermen are here. Our king said, "Anyone who can make the Wu soldiers go home will receive a great reward! I hope that you, the great general of Wu, will remember my late father who saved your life once. If you do not attack the State of Zheng, I can go back to ask for my reward."

Wu Zixu said with gratitude, "Only because your father saved me could I become a major general. How can I forget his favor? I must help you in this matter."

Wu Zixu immediately led all the soldiers back to the State of Wu. The young fisherman went back joyfully and told the king the good news. All of a sudden, everyone in the entire state treated him as a saviour. The king also rewarded him with one hundred acres of fine land.

Wu Zixu wanted to repay this favur and withdrew all the soldiers so the young man could claim the reward. "Repay a favor with gratitude" is part of the traditional Chinese culture.

"Repay a favor with gratitude" means that we should not only be grateful to others who have done us a favour but also should find an opportunity to repay them someday.