In the midst of haste, calmness reveals true strength.
During the Ming Dynasty, Wang Yingzhen served as the governor of Sizhou. When the emperor announced a southern tour, neighboring provinces scrambled to collect money from the people, fearing the imperial procession’s demands. Wang alone remained composed. “If we rush to gather funds,” he said, “officials may exploit the people. And what if the emperor never arrives?”
When the imperial dragon boat finally came, Wang did not cower. He lined up a hundred strong men along the shore, cheering loudly. As the imperial envoys hesitated, unable to anchor and extort, Wang ordered the boat to be towed swiftly—and within hours, it had passed beyond Sizhou’s borders.
From that day on, no envoy dared to linger or cause trouble in Sizhou. The region prospered in peace.
True wisdom lies not in haste, but in steady resolve. In stillness, there is strength; in patience, power.