More than two millennia ago, amidst the tumultuous Warring States period, where swords clashed and feudal lords contended for supremacy, a single piece of exquisite jade gave rise to a timeless tale – 'Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao'. This is not merely a story of diplomatic wisdom and courage, but a vivid testament to the profound identification of the Chinese nation with jade culture. It fuses the legend of the He Shi Bi with the sagacity and bravery of Lin Xiangru, together forging a brilliant chapter in the spirit of jade virtue.
The prelude to the story begins with the tragic dedication of jade by Bian He of Chu. Legend has it that Bian He discovered a raw jade in Mount Chu. He presented it to the Chu kings twice, but due to the ignorance of the jade artisans, it was mistaken for a common stone, leading to his feet being amputated. It was not until King Wen of Chu ascended the throne that Bian He, weeping with the jade at the foot of Mount Jing, moved the king to order the raw jade to be cut open, revealing the peerless treasure, which was then named 'He Shi Bi'. This jade, not only warm and lustrous in texture, but also imbued with extraordinary spirituality and value due to Bian He's tears and persistence, became the most precious treasure under heaven, symbolizing national dignity and credibility.
By the Warring States period, the He Shi Bi came into the possession of the State of Zhao. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, hearing of its renown, coveted it greatly and sent an envoy to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the He Shi Bi. This was undoubtedly a blatant scheme by Qin, leveraging its power to bully Zhao. The entire State of Zhao was in a dilemma: if they refused, Qin might use it as a pretext for war; if they agreed, Qin might take the jade without giving the cities, leading to humiliation. In this critical moment, Lin Xiangru stepped forward, volunteering to take the jade to Qin. He knew the mission was perilous but understood even more that the He Shi Bi carried not just the jade itself, but the national character and dignity of Zhao.
At the Qin court, Lin Xiangru engaged in a thrilling battle of wits with King Zhaoxiang. As expected, after receiving the jade, the King of Qin merely admired it, completely ignoring the mention of the fifteen cities. Seeing this, Lin Xiangru, quick-witted, claimed there was a flaw in the He Shi Bi and offered to point it out to the king. When the King of Qin handed him the jade, Lin Xiangru immediately held it, leaned against a pillar, his hair bristling with rage, and sternly rebuked the King of Qin for his perfidy. He threatened that if the King of Qin insisted on not giving the cities, he would rather smash his head against the jade, destroying both. The King of Qin, intimidated by his righteous indignation and concerned about damaging the jade, had to temporarily compromise. Lin Xiangru seized the opportunity to send a subordinate, secretly carrying the He Shi Bi, to return to Zhao overnight via a hidden path. Ultimately, the He Shi Bi was returned intact to Zhao, and Lin Xiangru was consequently appointed as a high minister, his name etched in history.
Beyond showcasing Lin Xiangru's extraordinary courage and diplomatic prowess, the story of 'Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao' profoundly illustrates the unique position of jade in Chinese culture. The He Shi Bi caused such an uproar not merely because it was rare and precious, but because it was endowed with the symbolic meanings of 'integrity' and 'national character'. Ancient people believed that jade possessed five virtues: benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, and purity. The legend of the He Shi Bi perfectly embodies these virtues. Bian He's persistence was 'benevolence', Lin Xiangru's responsibility was 'courage' and 'wisdom', and Zhao's steadfastness in guarding the jade was the upholding of 'integrity'. Jade was no longer a simple mineral but a cultural symbol carrying moral ethics and national spirit.
To this day, the story of 'Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao' continues to inspire us. It reminds us that in international relations, integrity and dignity are the cornerstones of a nation. And jade, as a unique carrier of Chinese civilization, with its warm, understated, and resilient character, remains a reflection of the Chinese national spirit. From the imperial seals of ancient emperors and the jade ornaments of nobles to the modern appreciation of jade by ordinary people, jade culture has always been intertwined with the bloodstream of the Chinese nation. It is not just a symbol of beauty, but an embodiment of virtue, a continuous cultural gene of the Chinese nation.
In contemporary times, we can still draw wisdom from jade. Those exquisitely carved jade artifacts not only demonstrate the superb craftsmanship of artisans but also transmit the ancients' yearning for a beautiful life and their pursuit of moral character. Every piece of jade seems to tell a story, a piece of history, an emotion. 'Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao' is precisely the most brilliant pearl among them, using jade as a medium and history as a mirror, revealing to the world the profound cultural heritage and immortal national spirit of Chinese civilization. The continuation of jade virtue is the best proof of the endless vitality of Chinese civilization.