Bao Gong – The Beloved Figure of Justice
Throughout Chinese history, the Tang Dynasty is not only famous for its vast territorial expansion but also for leaving a lasting mark with an iconic figure of integrity and justice – Bao Gong.
Bao Zheng (March 5, 999 – July 3, 1062), known as Bao Chengqing or Bao Gong, was born in Luyou, Hepi (now Hepi District, Anhui Province). He is renowned for his uprightness and integrity.
As a magistrate, Bao Gong always maintained the principle of “integrity, strict law enforcement, and not yielding to power or personal gain.” (Image: Sohu)
Bao Gong served as an official in the Northern Song Dynasty, holding various significant positions including Deputy Chief Judge, Chief of the Song Dynasty, and Governor of Kaifeng. He was known for his strong enforcement of law and justice, and his reputation was built on his unwavering commitment to integrity.
Throughout his career, he upheld the principles of “integrity, strict law enforcement, and not yielding to power or personal gain,” regardless of whether he was dealing with common people or high-ranking officials. It is remarkable that despite having significant authority, even many royal officials feared crossing him, yet Bao Gong remained calm and resolute.
In reality, the image of Bao Gong, often depicted as a dark-skinned figure with a round face and a white beard, is a product of artistic interpretation by later generations. Historical records confirm Bao Zheng’s existence, but he was not a detective in the modern sense; rather, he was simply a magistrate handling various cases. However, the cases he handled, closely tied to the lives of ordinary people, helped shape the dignified and righteous image of Bao Gong.
Although he had significant authority, even many royal officials feared crossing him, yet Bao Gong remained calm and resolute. (Image: Sohu)
In history, the position of Bao Gong was that of a supervisory official, responsible for overseeing and intervening on behalf of the emperor, as well as managing national finances. His outstanding talents earned him a position in Kaifeng. Here, within just a year, through strict governance, fairness, and impartiality, Bao Zheng built a reputation that echoed throughout the capital. He garnered immense love and respect from the people, which laid the groundwork for his iconic status as a figure of justice in later literary works.
**Three Reasons Why No One Dares to Cross Bao Gong**
So why did Emperor Zong Ren Tong always protect Bao Gong, even amidst rumors of corruption and slander? According to Sohu, there are three reasons cited to explain this phenomenon.
First, Bao Gong is a figure that the people trust and admire. Nowadays, amidst the challenges of daily life, the struggles of the common people are often highlighted. In order to maintain the political climate, Emperor Zong Ren Tong could not afford to offend Bao Gong, as it could damage the people’s trust in the government.
Second, after the incident of “abandoning the crown prince,” Bao Gong gained the trust and confidence of the crown prince. With the crown prince backing him up, it would be difficult for Emperor Zong Ren Tong to act against Bao Gong. Moreover, Zong Ren Tong was also a people-oriented emperor, a wise ruler of the Tang Dynasty, so even if Bao Zheng had made mistakes, he also wouldn’t want to act against him.
In the hearts of the people, Bao Gong always symbolizes integrity, justice, and fairness. (Image: Sohu)
Third, dating back to the early imperial era, there was a common understanding among the emperors of the Song Dynasty: “Do not harm the officials unless in cases of serious misconduct.” Regardless of the circumstances, even if the common people had grievances against the emperor, they could not hold the magistrate accountable. Therefore, as long as Bao Gong did not intend to commit offenses, he would continue to be protected to carry out his duties.
The image of Bao Gong, despite being somewhat deified, reflects the people’s yearning for a magistrate who “loves the people like a parent.” In the hearts of the people, Bao Gong always symbolizes integrity, justice, and fairness.
*Source: KKnews
