STORY: How legendary judge inspires generations of Chinese | Cultural China
DATELINE: Sept. 17, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:47
LOCATION: HEFEI, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the professor delivering a lecture
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): PEI BIN, Professor of Party School of Hefei Municipal Committee of the CPC

STORYLINE:

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): PEI BIN, Professor of Party School of Hefei Municipal Committee of the CPC
"Almost every month, I find myself on this special platform, talking about a particularly well-known figure in Hefei, who is a household name, and indeed, that is Bao Gong (Bao Zheng).
Bao Gong can be considered a top figure among Chinese sages. People commonly refer to him as 'Justice Bao.' Throughout history, whether in folk novels, traditional operas, or film and television series, there are numerous classic legends about him.
Some say that he was brilliant in handling cases, fearless in giving straightforward advice, and deeply resentful of evil deeds. At the time, the frequent flooding of the Huimin River within the city of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng) was a significant problem, causing suffering to the common people. In order to alleviate their hardships, without fearing the powerful and against popular opinion, he vigorously dismantled enclosures and cleared the waterways. His actions have become an inspiring tale of benevolence and courage.
Some praise him for his integrity, concern for the people, and diligent governance. 
Bao Gong once left behind a poem titled 'Ming Zhi Shi,' which reads, 'A clear heart is the foundation of governance, and a straightforward path is the strategy of the self.'
Initially, the emperor wanted to bestow half of Luzhou City upon Bao Zheng, but he repeatedly declined. In the end, he couldn't resist the emperor's insistence and agreed to accept only a portion of the city's defensive moat, showing his selfless nature by refusing the entire city for the sake of a protective waterway.
While others were puzzled by his decision, Bao Zheng had his own considerations. With that section of the river, he believed that if his descendants ever failed to obtain an official position through imperial civil service examinations, they could rely on the river to make a living by raising fish and cultivating lotus roots.
In the year 1062, Bao Zheng passed away due to illness, leaving behind a will. In this will, he stated that if his descendants were to engage in corruption, embezzlement, or wrongful acts while serving in government positions, they would not be allowed to return to their ancestral home. He also forbade them from being buried in the family's burial plot after their death. 
Now Bao Gong rests along the Baohe River eternally. Many years ago, the district where the Baohe River is located in Hefei City was named Baohe District, and the Bao Gong Cultural Park was established. This place welcomes over a million visitors annually, including descendants of the Bao family from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, as well as countries like Singapore, Thailand, etc. along with followers of Bao Zheng's principles and ideals.
The lecture on Bao Gong is one of the exemplary courses on clean and ethical culture developed by Hefei's discipline inspection commission. I've lost count of how many times I've delivered this lecture.
In my lectures, people often ask me about Bao Zheng's appearance, whether he had a fair or dark complexion.
Some have researched and suggested that Bao Zheng was originally depicted as a fair-faced scholar. However, the folk interpretation of his dark-faced image has been endowed with a unique symbolic significance, representing his diligence, fairness, and integrity. It constantly serves as a reminder of how we should conduct ourselves in personal and official capacities.
Bao Gong has become the 'spokesperson' for the culture of integrity in our city. The outstanding Chinese moral qualities of loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and love are integrated into our economic, social, and cultural development, as well as the entire process of fighting corruption and advocating for integrity. The continuous infusion of these values enhances the overall character of our city.
Fairness and justice are universal values shared by all of humanity. Bao Gong represents not only China's commitment to these values but also serves as a symbol for the world. As stated in his epitaph, 'May his name be as pure as the waters of the Huaihe River and endure eternally.' The stories of Bao Gong may never be exhausted, and his spirit shall endure perpetually."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hefei, China.
(XHTV)