The strange minister Man Chaojian lived a life of uprightness, sticking to his original intention, and writing legends in the ups and downs of his official career.
In his early years, Man Chaojian left Mayang, Hunan Province to take the exam. He took the native land donated by his mother and studied hard at Yuelu Academy. When he took part in the college examination, he refused to cheat and stood out with his true talent and learning. When he first entered the capital and witnessed the darkness of the officialdom, he still kept in mind the teaching of "full but not overflowing".
When he was appointed magistrate of Xianning County, Man Chaojian started a battle of wits with the arrogant and domineering tax supervisor Liang Yong. He removed the drums and alerted the Yamen, carried out secret inspections incognito, and collected evidence of Liang Yong's crimes, thereby reducing the burden on the people and winning support. However, he was framed and imprisoned by Liang Yong. The people sent them the Wanmin Umbrella, and he once hid the account book recording Liang Yong's crimes in a dry well.
After being dismissed from his post and returned to his hometown, Manchaozian lived a life of farming and studying, wrote books and preached, and became a wise man in the countryside. Later, he was appointed again and went to Jinling to rectify the officialdom. He formed the "Chu Party" with upright officials to fight against Wei Zhongxian's eunuch Party. He generously wrote a letter to impeach Wei Zhongxian, but was demoted. When he was managing Guanglu Temple, he offended the powerful. After being frustrated, he retired and returned home.
In his later years, Man Chaojian gave lectures in his hometown and passed on his knowledge and life experience to the younger generation. Before his death, he used pines and cypresses as metaphors to leave behind his legacy of adhering to faith and moral character. His spirit took root and sprouted in the new soil like a cold plum, inspiring future generations to pursue justice and truth.
