Is “He revealed his benevolence by opening one side of the net.” true?

attested in history

The Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) records that Tang once saw a hunter setting nets on all four sides. He removed three sides and prayed, 'Those who want to go left, go left; those who want to go right, go right.' The feudal lords heard of this and praised his virtue.

Cheng Tang

In official history, he is the founding monarch of the Shang dynasty, a benevolent ruler who showed mercy by opening one side of the net; in novels, he is revered as an ancient sage and virtuous king.

Other claims about Cheng Tang

Sources cited above. Compiled with AI assistance and checked against those sources; for cultural reference.Data & method →

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