Yang Zhen was an honest and clean government officer during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220).
One day, Yang met his old workmate Wang Mi on a trip. They had fun talking about their life experiences and good wishes to the nation. In the past, Wang's ability and ideas were not accepted by the people around him. Yang saw Wang's talent and promoted (提拔) him. The chance helped Wang to be successful. Wang never forgot Yang's help and invited him to stay over for the night.
It was near midnight when Wang knocked on the door of Yang's bedroom. He handed Yang a bag and said, "This is to thank you for teaching me and helping me become who I am today." Yang looked in the bag. It was full of gold.
"Do I look like a person who accepts bribes (贿赂) from others? I thought you knew me well!" Yang said angrily
"It's late at night. No one will know if we keep it secret," said Wang.
"What do you mean no one will know? Heaven knows, Earth knows, you know and I know," said Yang. "You can cheat (欺骗) anyone but not your own heart."
