In the vast river of Chinese history, jade is not only a precious mineral but also a carrier of the Chinese nation's spirit and culture. It embodies beliefs, power, and wealth, and has also written countless stirring legends. Among these legends, the story of 'The Jade Returned to Zhao' is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant, centered around a rare treasure – the He Shi Bi (Heshi Jade). It showcases the wisdom, courage, and adherence to integrity of the ancients.
The story begins in the Spring and Autumn period. Bian He of the Chu state discovered a piece of unpolished jade in Mount Jing. He presented it to King Li of Chu, but it was mistaken for an ordinary stone, and his left foot was amputated. When King Wu of Chu ascended the throne, Bian He presented the jade again, only to have it dismissed as fake, leading to the amputation of his right foot. It wasn't until the reign of King Wen of Chu that Bian He, embracing the unpolished jade, wept for three days and three nights at the foot of Mount Jing. Moved by his loyalty, King Wen ordered the jade to be cut open, revealing a rare and beautiful jade, crystal clear and dazzling. The world named it 'He Shi Bi'. This jade disc then became the national treasure of the Chu state, its value immeasurable, hailed as 'a treasure shared by all under heaven'.
Time flowed to the late Warring States period, and the He Shi Bi eventually fell into the hands of the Zhao state. In 283 BC, King Zhaoxiang of Qin learned that the He Shi Bi was in Zhao and sent an envoy to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the jade. This was undoubtedly a great temptation, but Zhao knew of Qin's greed and cunning, fearing that the jade would be lost without return, yet daring not to easily offend the powerful Qin state. King Huiwen of Zhao found himself in a dilemma, and the court officials were at a loss. At this critical juncture, Lin Xiangru stepped forward, volunteering to take the He Shi Bi to Qin.
Upon arriving in Qin, Lin Xiangru presented the He Shi Bi to King Zhaoxiang. The King took the jade disc, admiring it greatly, but said nothing about the fifteen cities. Seeing this, Lin Xiangru devised a plan. He feigned that the jade had a flaw and asked the King to return it so he could point it out. Once the jade was back in his hands, Lin Xiangru immediately retreated to a pillar, his hair bristling with anger, and declared to the King: "Your Majesty wished to exchange fifteen cities for this jade, and I brought it. Now Your Majesty sits and receives it, without mentioning the cities. What is your intention? King Zhao feared Qin and dared not refuse to present it. Now, if Your Majesty has no intention of fulfilling the promise of the cities, I request to return the jade intact to Zhao, preferring to be shattered like jade than to be preserved as a mere tile!" He held the He Shi Bi, making as if to destroy himself and the jade. King Zhaoxiang, seeing Lin Xiangru's fierce resolve and fearing the destruction of the He Shi Bi, could only feign compliance, agreeing to fast for five days and hold a grand ceremony to proceed with the exchange. Lin Xiangru seized this opportunity to secretly send the He Shi Bi back to Zhao.
Five days later, King Zhaoxiang hosted a banquet. Lin Xiangru frankly informed him that the He Shi Bi had already been sent back to Zhao and recounted the King's breach of faith. Though angry, the King could do nothing and eventually had to let Lin Xiangru return to his country. The story of 'The Jade Returned to Zhao' not only highlights Lin Xiangru's wisdom and courage but also elevates the legendary status of the He Shi Bi to its peak. It is not just a piece of jade; it is a symbol of national dignity and integrity.
The whereabouts of the He Shi Bi remain a mystery to this day. Some say it was made into the Imperial Seal after Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, while others believe it was lost during times of war. Regardless of its ultimate fate, the story of 'The Jade Returned to Zhao' has become an indelible mark in Chinese culture. It reminds us that the value of jade lies not only in its rarity and beauty but also in the cultural connotations and spiritual power it carries. In modern society, we can still draw wisdom from this ancient jade, learning integrity, courage, and resilience, allowing these traditional virtues to shine brightly in a new era. As an ancient jade collector, I deeply understand that every piece of ancient jade contains a piece of history, a story, and the He Shi Bi and 'The Jade Returned to Zhao' are undoubtedly among the most moving chapters, transcending the material realm to become an eternal spiritual treasure.