Doctor Huang Xiaoyuan of Hangzhou was a noted authority on skin diseases. One day, a man came into his office groaning. Despite the man's rough appearance, Doctor Huang prepared to examine him.
The man removed his shirt, revealing dozens of sores covering his back and shoulders. The largest were the size of a cup, surrounded by smaller ones, and the smell was dreadful. Startled, Doctor Huang exclaimed, "Your whole back is rotting away!"
"What?" the patient asked, turning around.
"It's a rare, incurable disease called 'Birds Pay Homage to the King'," Doctor Huang explained, pushing his glasses up. "What is your occupation?"
"I hunt birds with a gun," the patient replied. "I destroy their nests and shoot them when they fly. I've done this for over a dozen years."
"No wonder!" said the doctor. "Think of all the homes you've destroyed and lives you've taken. You've brought this upon yourself by violating nature's laws."
The hunter looked worried. "What can I do?"
"If you are brave enough to admit your wrongdoing and promise never to kill again, there may be hope. Otherwise..."
The hunter reflected deeply. He realized his cruelty towards defenseless birds. He threw his gun into the river and started a fresh produce business.
Within two weeks, his back showed obvious improvement. He felt healthier, both physically and mentally. Soon, he made a full recovery.
By facing the truth and heeding his conscience, the man saved himself from a terrible fate.