In the late Western Han Dynasty, after Wang Mang usurped the throne and declared himself emperor, he failed to solve social problems and instead enforced even harsher rule. Over a decade later, the people, unable to endure his oppression and longing for the Han Dynasty, sparked a nationwide uprising. The rebel forces overthrew Wang Mang's Xin Dynasty and installed Liu Xuan, a member of the Han imperial family, as emperor, known as Emperor Gengshi.
During the Gengshi Emperor's reign, a man named Suolu Fang served as a minor official in Dong Commandery. Because Wang Mang's officials received no salaries and were allowed to enrich themselves through corruption, the local governor had become notorious for his extortion. When the new emperor sent an inspector to evaluate officials, victims of the governor's greed came forward with evidence. The governor faced execution for his crimes, and as his death approached, he saw no way to save himself.
Suo Lufang stepped forward to defend the governor. He went to the envoy's lodging and had a private conversation. Suo Lufang first analyzed the situation, saying, "The people despise Wang Mang and long for the Han dynasty because Han's policies were generous and benevolent. Now Emperor Gengshi has just ascended the throne and sent you here. Instead of spreading grace, you first investigate the governor—is this not lacking in benevolence?"
The messenger remained silent. Suo Lufang continued, "If you say the prefect deserves death for his crimes, no one would dare argue otherwise. But wouldn't such a harsh punishment make officials across the empire uneasy and destabilize society? Moreover, officials like the prefect are not few in number, and their actions were permitted under Wang Mang's policies!"
After a pause, seeing the envoy deep in thought, Suo Lu Fang continued, "Have you never heard the saying, 'Using the meritorious is not as effective as using the repentant'? In the past, Duke Mu of Qin did not punish Baili Mengming for his disastrous defeat at the Battle of Yao, but continued to trust him. As a result, Baili Mengming helped Qin dominate the Western Rong. Don't you think that was wise? If you insist on punishing the governor, I beg to die in his place—please, kill me now."
After hearing this, the messenger weighed the pros and cons repeatedly, could not help but deeply admire Suo Lufang's insight and integrity, and thus decided to show leniency to the governor, allowing him to remain in office.
The governor was deeply grateful and from then on mended his ways, governing with diligence, bringing order and harmony to the region. Suo Lufang's reputation thus spread far and wide.
"The phrase 'Using the meritorious is not as good as using the repentant' means: employing those who are arrogant due to their achievements is inferior to employing those willing to atone for their mistakes."
Source: *Book of the Later Han*, "Biography of Suo Lufang"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "使功不如使过" came to describe employing those who are arrogant due to their achievements is inferior to employing those willing to atone for their mistakes.