“The Biography of Yu Jang” recounts the story of an incredibly loyal man named Yu Jang and his determination to bring justice and honor to the earl of Chih, his former master. This short biography emphasizes themes such as loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. Even if it brings him pain and suffering, Yu Jang is set on bringing justice to the earl and goes to great lengths to do so; he changes his name, takes on a disguise, cutting off his beard and eyebrows to alter his appearance, swallows coal to change his voice, and ultimately, at the end of the story, slashes the robes of Lord Hsiang and falls on his sword and dies. On page 41, Yu Jang asserts “Since the earl of Chih understood me, I should sacrifice my life to avenge him. If I can repay him in this way, my soul not need be ashamed” (Nienhauser). Even when a friend at the marketplace encourages Yu Jang to serve Lord Hsiang and then kill him, he continues to be determined in his desire to bring about justice and uphold the honor and duty between he and his former master. Although Yu Jang ultimately fails in his mission to repay the earl in this way, the fact that Lord Hsiang allows him to slash his robe is symbolic of a final act of vengeance before he dies. Overall, this short biography brings to light important values such as loyalty and determination, and I think Yu Jang is a good example of an individual who is true to his word, carries out his promises, and displays selflessness and bravery without expecting anything in return.