Etiquette Minister Du Lide, also known as Chunyi, came from Baodi in Shuntian (today’s Baodi District in Tianjin) and lived during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.) He was the prince’s private tutor and known for his compassion, forgiveness and tolerance in his private and public life. One day he took a coach and horses out of town.

For some strange reason the coach became involved in a skirmish with a drunken street ruffian, who then stumbled after him, spouting insults. Minister Du acted as if he had not heard a thing. Arriving at home again, the drunken ruffian continued to insult the Minister outside his residence.

Forgiveness for a Drunkard

When the drunkard had become sober by next morning he heard from others that he had insulted and demeaned the minister all night long. He immediately went to the minister's residence to apologize. Minister Du did not berate him but offered him a silver coin, enough for the drunkard to start a small business. The man left with tears in his eyes.

He gave up his bad lifestyle and began to work hard on becoming a good person. Each year he would travel to the minister's residence, kneel before the minister to thank him for his forgiveness, show his respect, and thank him for his financial help.