Shu Shao

Shu Shao (舒邵, ? ~ ?) was a politician serving under Yuan Shu in the late Eastern Han period of China. His courtesy name was Zhongying (仲膺, 仲應), and he was a native of Chenliu Commandery in Yan Province. He gained fame for his righteousness.

Life

When his older brother Shu Boying (舒伯膺)'s friend was killed, Shu Shao took revenge in his place. Afterward, the brothers each insisted that they should receive the death penalty, and their righteousness was talked about throughout the world. As a result, the brothers were able to receive a pardon. Meanwhile, under Yuan Shu, he served as magistrate of Fuling (阜陵縣長) and as administrator of Pei Commandery. At that time, due to a severe drought, there was no food between the Yangtze and the Huai, and people were nearly eating one another. Even so, Yuan Shu had stockpiled 100,000 hu (斛) of grain. Shu Shao distributed all of it to the starving people without obtaining permission. When Yuan Shu became angry and was about to have him executed, Shu Shao said, "I knew I would certainly die. I am fortunate that a single person's life can save people who are sinking into misery." Yuan Shu dismounted from his horse, bowed in courtesy, and lamented, "Do you wish to enjoy the fame of the realm alone? Could you not have shared it with me?" Later, when his son Shu Xie (舒燮) committed a crime and nearly was killed by Taichang , stopped him, saying, "After the of the realm, if the of the ask about Zhongying's descendants, what will you do?" Shu Shao's reputation was so high that this was enough to stop the execution.