A bowl of water to send the qing official (legendary story)

Bao Gong first took office in Zhi County, a few days after taking office, the surrounding rich squires all knew, almost every day some people came to the county gate, some for Lord Bao to pick up the wind and wash the dust, some with rural souvenirs, said to let Lord Bao taste the fresh.

When Bao Gong saw this, he was very angry, dispersed the gift givers, and set up a sign at the entrance of the county gate, which read: All gift givers are responsible for 50 large boards.

This trick can be really clever, scaring away the local squire, and the county gate is much cleaner.

But two days later, an old man came to the door and said that he wanted to give a gift to Lord Bao.

He stopped in front of the door: "Didn't you see the sign?" At your age, don't say hit you 50 boards, two boards, you will die. You are so bold, you dare to give gifts! ”

The old man said, "I can't read, I can't read what's written on the sign." But I have to give this gift, and I have to send it to death. ”

The servant was helpless, and quickly reported it to Lord Bao, who felt strange in his heart, how could anyone dare to give gifts? Hurriedly walked to the door of the county gate, saw the old man's ragged clothes, and asked: "Old man, you are poor and destitute, why do you want to give me a gift?" What gift to give me? ”

The old man took out a bowl of clean water and held it in front of Lord Bao with both hands: "We ordinary people really have nothing to send, just send you this bowl of clean water, I hope that Lord Bao will do things, and can be like this bowl of clean water." ”

Lord Bao looked at the old man with tears in his eyes: "Old man, I accepted your gift." ”

After saying that, he took the bowl of water and drank it all.

Bao Gong returned the bowl to the old man and said to the servant, "Give my silver to the old man and give him ten taels, and let him go home." ”

This matter was known to the villagers, and the common people said: "We have hope in this county, and there are clean officials like Qing Shui!" ”