Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Zhou Chu Got Rid of the Three Terrors

Welcome to another Tales of Wisdom, today our story is about a young man who discovered that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Zhou Chu lived during the Jin Dynasty (1115 – 1234), in a place now called Yixing, in Jiangsu province. Lacking proper parental guidance during his childhood, Zhou developed into a rough and unrestrained menace, with a temperament that was rude, fierce, and unscrupulous. He became the village terror, and villagers were extremely fearful of him, avoiding him like the plague.

As time went by, Zhou realized that his fellow countrymen detested him, and he desired to mend his ways. He saw that most of the villagers were depressed and had a worried look. He was puzzled, and asked: “Now that there is peace throughout the country, favorable weather, an abundant harvest, and everything is what could be wished for; so why so glum?” The elders replied: “There are three terrors here at present yet to be dealt with – how can anybody be joyous?” Zhou asked: “Which three terrors?” The elders said: “The random assault on people by the white tiger in the Southern Mountains is one of the terrors; the flood dragon in the river under the Long Bridge which often injures people and livestock is another; as for the third …” the elders hesitated for a moment, “I am afraid, it has to be you.”

After hearing this, Zhou was quiet for a long time. Finally, he said resolutely: “I can get rid of all three terrors!”

With sharp weapons in hand, Zhou single-handedly went to the mountains in search of the ferocious white tiger. He fought hard and finally killed the beast. He then proceeded to the river, and vigorously wrestled with the flood dragon for three days and nights, finally beheading it.

During those three days, when Zhou had not returned, the villagers thought he must have been dead. Believing that all three terrors were now gone at once – and thereupon all would be well – the villagers were ecstatic. They congratulated each other, reveled, and jumped for joy. At that moment, Zhou returned and witnessed the jubilation. He then understood that everyone truly hated him, and was deeply saddened and ashamed. He firmly made up his mind to make amends, and be born anew.

Having now made up his mind and formed his will, Zhou wasted no time. He found out that the grandsons of the great General Lu Xun: Lu Ji and Lu Yun – were learned scholars, he paid them a special visit to ask them to be his teachers.

After only meeting with Lu Yun, Zhou told him about his situation, saying, “I truly want to make amends and start over, but because of my advanced age, I don’t know if there is still time.” Lu Yun encouraged Zhou. “The ancients held in high regards people who are willing to change,” he said. “Your future, sir, is quite bright. Besides, one should be more concerned about one’s resolve than one’s reputation.”

Lu Yun’s remarks were instructive and encouraging. It was then Zhou realized a profound truth: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Zhou worked hard and assiduously, determined to improve his ways, and paid great attention to self-cultivation and refining his moral character. Within the course of just one year, his reputation became drastically different, such that local government officials all recommended he serve office.

Soon Zhou Chu became an official. For the next thirty years he held many positions and was a diligent and accomplished official. As governor of Xinping, he managed good relationships with the ethnic minority population there. When he was governor of Guanghan, he cleared up many historic matters left over from his predecessors. When he was a high ranking disciplinary officer, he would hold on to principles and remained ethical.

Zhou’s ethics and morally upright conduct offended some bad, powerful people. When minority leader Qi Wannian later started to rebel, Zhou Chu’s enemies wanted him to fight the rebel forces, hoping to get rid of him in the process. His friends knew of this vicious plan and tried to persuade Zhou Chu to dodge the assignment. Zhou Chu said firmly, “I said good-bye to my parents and I’m now working for the emperor. No parents can treat their son as private property. Today is my time to give my life.” In the end, Zhou fell to the villains’ entrapment, died in the battlefield, and sacrificed his life for the country.

Zhou proved courageous enough to make fundamental changes in his character, transforming from a wicked terror to a loyal, commendable officer, and a source of inspiration for future generations. His story shows that a person can make mistakes, but so long as he is willing and determined to mend his ways, he can live an upright life, and a bright future awaits him.

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