第一章 秦西巴放小鹿

In ancient times, there was an official in the state of Lu, whom everyone called Mengsun. Mengsun had a subordinate named Qin Xiba.

Once, Mengsun caught a fawn in the mountains. The fawn was still very young and couldn't even walk steadily. Mengsun handed it to Qin Xiba and said, 'Take it back.'

Qin Xiba carried the fawn and walked back.

After walking not far, he heard cries of grief behind him. Turning around, he saw a doe chasing them, her eyes fixed on the fawn in Qin Xiba's arms.

The doe dared not approach, but refused to leave. She chased and cried, her voice full of sorrow.

Qin Xiba looked at the fawn in his arms, then at the doe behind him. He stood there and did not continue walking.

He knew in his heart that if he took the fawn back, the doe would never see her child again.

He crouched down and placed the fawn on the ground. The doe immediately ran over and quickly disappeared into the forest with it.

Back at the residence, Mengsun asked, 'Where is the fawn?'

Qin Xiba said, 'I let it go.'

Mengsun thought he had misheard: 'I told you to bring it back, and you let it go?'

'The doe kept chasing and crying behind me. I couldn't bear to watch.'

Mengsun was very angry and drove Qin Xiba away on the spot.

Qin Xiba did not beg for mercy, nor did he say he was right. He packed his things and left Mengsun's house.

A year later, Mengsun's child reached the age of learning. He wanted to find someone to teach the child, thought for a long time, and remembered Qin Xiba again.

Someone asked Mengsun, 'Qin Xiba let your deer go back then. Why do you let him teach your child?'

Mengsun said, 'When he released the deer, he knew he would lose this job. He still released it. When he was driven away, he did not lie or beg for mercy. He chose kindness and was willing to bear the consequences of his choice. Such a person is worthy of trust.'

Qin Xiba returned to Mengsun's house and became the child's teacher.