Many know Qingming as a day to honor ancestors, but few remember its true origin.
During the Spring and Autumn period, a loyal minister named Jie Zitui once cut flesh from his own thigh to save his starving lord, Chong’er, who later became Duke Wen of Jin. When the duke rewarded his followers, he forgot Jie, who had already retreated to Mount Mian in quiet humility.
To force him out, the duke set the forest on fire. When the flames died, Jie was found dead under an old tree, with a blood-written letter: “I gave my flesh with a loyal heart—may my lord always remain clear and bright.”
“Qingming” is not just a season or a ritual. It is a reminder: stay clear-minded and pure-hearted, especially when life is good. Do not let power blur your vision, nor wealth cloud your conscience.
True wisdom lies not in success, but in staying grounded amidst it. May we all keep a heart that is, always, clear and bright.