Bao Gong – The Virtuous Official and His Talents
Since ancient times, the character Bao Gong has always been recognized as a symbol of justice and integrity in the legal history of China. Bao Gong (March 5, 999 – July 3, 1062) represents the embodiment of righteousness and is often referred to as Bao Zheng or Bao Ching. He hailed from Lu Zhou, Hepi (now Hepi District, Hefei City, Anhui Province).
Bao Gong is always known as a symbol of justice and integrity in the legal history of China. (Image: Sohu)
Bao Gong served as a magistrate in the northern capital Bianjing and was appointed to various high-ranking positions including vice minister and chief justice, known for his strict enforcement of law, governance, and compassion towards the people.
He was honored with the title “Bao Thanh Thien,” a figure who established a team of talented officials renowned for their integrity and skills. The writer Tô Âu Dương Tu also praised Bao Gong with the famous lines: “Clear as day, his reputation spreads far and wide, his name immortalized through history.” Statistics indicate that those who were punished by Bao Gong did not exceed 30 people, being the ideal and national spirit in a society of law. Even the national teacher Trương Nghiêu Tái – father of Trương Quý Phi, was deeply honored by Bao Gong.
During his time in Kaifeng, Bao Gong established a powerful task force comprising skilled individuals including Triển Chiêu, Công Tôn Sách, Vương Triều, Mã Hán, Trương Long, and Triệu Hổ. (Image: Sohu)
During his time in Kaifeng, Bao Gong established a formidable task force consisting of skilled individuals including Triển Chiêu, Công Tôn Sách, Vương Triều, Mã Hán, Trương Long, and Triệu Hổ. Among them, Triển Chiêu is a notable character playing the role of “the agile detective,” a figure not only with exceptional martial skills but also a loyal right-hand man of Bao Gong in maintaining national security.
Triển Chiêu was both a wise and righteous officer who served as a faithful assistant to Bao Gong, effectively ensuring justice and protecting the people.
Triển Chiêu is the loyal right hand of Bao Gong in ensuring the stability of the nation. (Image: Sohu)
Why Did Bao Gong Entrust Triển Chiêu with His Legacy?
According to Sohu, due to hard work, Bao Gong fell ill and realized that he might not have much time left. One night, he summoned Triển Chiêu and entrusted him with his final wishes. He often told him, “After I die, you must keep my name hidden, return to my homeland, and absolutely do not let anyone know the details of my life, especially concerning the important matters.”
In reality, after Bao Gong passed away, Triển Chiêu had already left Kaifeng and vanished without a trace.
According to scholars, Bao Gong’s request to Triển Chiêu stemmed from three main reasons.
After Bao Gong passed away, Triển Chiêu had already left Kaifeng and vanished without a trace. (Image: Sohu)
Firstly, Bao Gong knew that Triển Chiêu would not have anyone to oppose him in the trials. The resolution of many cases related to royal matters in the past could lead to the “Southern Heroes” becoming targets of retaliation.
However, the plots and schemes could have taken place in the court after Bao Gong passed away, where rival factions could have seized this opportunity to retaliate against individuals close to Bao Gong.
Secondly, Bao Gong passed away in 1062 at the age of 63. Scholars suggest that Triển Chiêu was about 8 years younger than Bao Gong. By the time Bao Gong passed away, Triển Chiêu was already 55 years old. At this age, he might not be as suitable to carry out heroic deeds as before.
Bao Gong meets Triển Chiêu when both were still very young. (Image: Sohu)
Additionally, in the book “Bao Thanh Thien – The Seven Virtues of Justice” written in the second chapter, “Kim Long Temple, the hero of the past, is the proud descendant of Dật, whose legacy is the greatest” mentions the ages of Bao Gong and Triển Chiêu. The author vividly describes, “Bao Gong at the age of 16. At that time, Bao Gong was preparing to take the imperial exam and met a beautiful woman, who was 20 years old, with remarkable skills.” This person was none other than Triển Chiêu. Thus, Triển Chiêu was 4 years older than Bao Gong, and when Bao Gong passed away, “Southern Heroes” were already 67 years old. At this age, he was no longer as physically capable as before. Therefore, he decided to consider the legacy of his homeland and how to live peacefully.
Thirdly, if Triển Chiêu were to be entrusted with Bao Gong’s family legacy, he could potentially be a protector of Bao Gong’s family. Triển Chiêu was always known as a highly skilled martial artist, often depicted as the best detective at that time. Although he did not hold any official title, due to his deep respect for Bao Gong’s leadership, he decided to follow in his footsteps.
Triển Chiêu did not hold any official title, but due to his deep respect for Bao Gong’s leadership, he decided to follow in his footsteps. (Image: Sohu)
When Bao Gong passed away, Triển Chiêu no longer wished to pursue any other official roles, so the choice to live quietly and peacefully was inevitable. Moreover, Triển Chiêu could have lived in the “shadow” of his former hero and protect Bao Gong’s family. This would have been the best arrangement for both parties.
Therefore, despite having doubts and not fully understanding Bao Gong’s decision, Triển Chiêu still resolved to follow the guidance of someone he regarded as his closest friend. Triển Chiêu’s decision reflects his loyalty and absolute respect for someone who had a profound impact on his life.
Source: Sohu, Sina
