Cao Shen vs Hind bint Utbah

After Xiao He's death, Cao Shen succeeded him as chancellor of the Han dynasty. He continued Xiao He's policies without alteration, following the principle of 'non-action' (wu wei) in governance.

Cao Shen maintained the legal and administrative framework established by Xiao He, avoiding new initiatives. He selected officials who were simple and honest, and dismissed those who were overly ambitious. This policy of non-interference allowed the Han economy to recover from war.

Cao Shen was known for his daily drinking and apparent lack of activity as chancellor. When criticized, he argued that he was simply following the superior precedents set by Xiao He, and that any changes would be harmful. This approach became a famous example of Daoist-inspired governance.

Hind bint Utbah, after the Quraysh victory at the Battle of Uhud, mutilated the body of Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Muhammad's uncle. She reportedly cut open his liver and attempted to eat it, an act of vengeance for her father's death at Badr.

Hind bint Utbah converted to Islam alongside her husband Abu Sufyan after the Muslim conquest of Mecca. She pledged allegiance to Muhammad, marking a significant shift from her previous hostility.

Hind bint Utbah fought alongside the Muslim army at the Battle of Yarmouk against the Byzantines. She reportedly encouraged the troops and participated in the fighting, demonstrating her commitment to the Islamic cause.