Ling Tong was a man of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. At just fifteen, Sun Quan appointed him as a Separate Commandant to lead his father Ling Cao's troops after the elder Ling died in battle.
During a drinking party, Ling Tong and his superior Chen Qin clashed when Chen Qin, known for his violent temper, forced drinks on everyone. Ling Tong criticized him, and Chen Qin retaliated by insulting Ling Tong's father, Ling Cao. Furious, Ling Tong left the table, but Chen Qin drunkenly followed, hurling more insults. Unable to contain his rage, Ling Tong drew his sword and struck Chen Qin, who died from his wounds a few days later.
During a siege, Ling Tong told his men, "I killed Chen Qin in a quarrel—only death in battle can atone for my crime." He then led the charge, smashing the enemy lines. After the victory, he had himself bound and knelt before Sun Quan, demanding punishment. Sun Quan, who admired his boldness, replied, "Your great deeds have already redeemed your fault."
Ling Tong later achieved many military merits. *Records of the Three Kingdoms* says he "cherished the virtuous and welcomed scholars, valued righteousness over wealth," embodying the style of a national talent. Later, the idiom "valuing righteousness over wealth" came to describe those who prioritize moral principles over material gain.
Source: *Records of the Three Kingdoms*, Book of Wu, "Biography of Ling Tong"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "轻财重义" came to describe those who prioritize moral principles over material gain.