During the Tang Dynasty, there was a man named Lu Xiangxian, who was ambitious from a young age and exceptionally talented. He was recognized by Ji Xu, the Vice Minister of Personnel at the time, who praised him as "a man of refined talent and noble reputation, far beyond ordinary people," and recommended him for the position of Luoyang Commandant.
Lu Xiangxian was a man of few desires, content with what he had, and served as an upright official who disliked currying favor with the powerful. The emperor greatly valued him. He held positions such as imperial censor and vice minister of the secretariat, earning praise in each role. During the suppression of Princess Taiping's rebellion, he distinguished himself and received imperial honors from the emperor.
During the Tang Dynasty, Lu Xiangxian was appointed governor of Yizhou and inspector of Jiannan Circuit. He believed in governing through benevolence and loyalty, opposing harsh punishments. When minor officials committed offenses, he would educate and warn them to reform. Some senior officials complained, "These men deserve a good beating to teach them a lesson. Your leniency will only make them bolder and harder to control." Lu Xiangxian replied, "If I punish them with the rod, they may fear me but will never change their hearts. A wise ruler governs with virtue, not terror." His approach earned him respect, and the idiom "governing with benevolence" reflects his philosophy of leading through moral example rather than force.
Lu Xiangxian sternly replied, "The way of governance lies in benevolence and leniency—abusing punishment only brings suffering to the people and stirs chaos. Only by ruling with kindness and virtue can we earn the people's obedience, stabilize the state, and establish the nation's authority. Besides, if they broke the law, you share the blame. If flogging is to be used, it should begin with you."
Sima Wei advised Lu Xiangxian, "You should use the cane appropriately to establish your authority; otherwise, your subordinates will become sluggish and unrestrained."
Lu Xiangxian said, "Officials governing affairs should rely on reason and righteousness. If things can be governed well through reason, why depend on harsh punishments? How can one establish authority through punishment? Harming others for personal gain is certainly not the way of benevolence and forgiveness."
Lu Xiangxian consistently governed with benevolence and leniency, and during his tenure, his region prospered and remained stable, earning the support of the people and the admiration of his officials.
Later, the idiom "harming others to benefit oneself" came to describe gaining advantages by hurting others.
Source: *Old Book of Tang*, "Biography of Lu Xiangxian"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "损人利己" came to describe gaining advantages by hurting others.