Amidst the tumultuous Warring States period, where seven powerful states vied for supremacy, a jade bi (disk) emerged, embodying power, wisdom, and integrity, giving rise to a timeless legend: the Jade Returned to Zhao. This jade bi was none other than the renowned He Shi Bi.
The story begins with the tragic tale of Bian He from the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. Bian He discovered a raw jade in Mount Chu and presented it to the Chu king twice, only to have it mistaken for a common stone, leading to the brutal punishment of having his feet amputated. It wasn't until King Wen of Chu ascended the throne that Bian He, clutching the raw jade, wept for three days and nights at the foot of Mount Jing. King Wen sent men to cut open the jade, revealing the unparalleled beauty within. This jade bi was named "He Shi Bi" after Bian He and became the treasured symbol of the Chu state, its warm and subtle luster seemingly imbued with Bian He's blood, tears, and resilience.
As time passed, the He Shi Bi eventually fell into the hands of the State of Zhao. In 283 BC, King Zhaoxiang of Qin, learning that Zhao possessed the He Shi Bi, sent an envoy to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the jade. This was undoubtedly a great temptation, but King Zhao knew of King Qin's greed and feared that the jade would be lost without any return. Yet, he dared not easily offend the powerful Qin state. At this critical juncture, Lin Xiangru stepped forward, volunteering to travel to Qin with the He Shi Bi.
Upon entering Qin with the jade, Lin Xiangru faced King Zhaoxiang's arrogance and avarice, displaying extraordinary courage and wisdom. King Qin received Lin Xiangru in Zhangtai, and Lin Xiangru presented the He Shi Bi. King Qin was overjoyed, passing it around to his attendants and concubines for admiration, but he only focused on playing with it, never mentioning the fifteen cities. Seeing this, Lin Xiangru knew that King Qin had no intention of exchanging cities for the jade. He stepped forward, falsely claiming that the He Shi Bi had a flaw and offered to point it out to King Qin. Once King Qin handed him the jade, Lin Xiangru immediately retreated to a pillar, his hair bristling with rage, and declared to King Qin: "Your Majesty desires this jade, and I have come on orders. However, Your Majesty only plays with it and says nothing about the cities. I fear Your Majesty is insincere. Now the jade is in my hand. If Your Majesty tries to seize it by force, I am willing to be shattered along with the jade!" With that, he held the He Shi Bi, glared at King Qin, and made as if to smash it against the pillar. King Qin, seeing his fierce resolve and fearing damage to the He Shi Bi, had no choice but to speak kindly and ordered someone to bring a map, pretending to point out the fifteen cities.
Lin Xiangru, well aware of King Qin's stratagem, proposed that King Qin fast for five days and perform the ceremony of nine guests before he would present the jade. King Qin reluctantly agreed. Lin Xiangru seized this opportunity, disguised his attendant, and sent him back to Zhao under the cover of night, carrying the He Shi Bi by a secret path. Five days later, King Qin held a banquet, and Lin Xiangru frankly informed him that the He Shi Bi had already been sent back to Zhao, stating: "The State of Qin has always been known for its aggression and never keeping its promises. If Your Majesty truly desires the jade, please first cede the fifteen cities, and Zhao will naturally present it." King Qin was furious and wanted to kill Lin Xiangru. But his ministers advised: "Killing him would be of no benefit and would only harm Qin's reputation." King Qin ultimately had to let Lin Xiangru return to Zhao.
The story of the Jade Returned to Zhao not only highlights Lin Xiangru's wisdom and courage but also reflects the supreme status of the He Shi Bi in society at that time. It was not merely a beautiful piece of jade; it was a symbol of national credibility and integrity. The legend of the He Shi Bi has also inspired countless literati and poets in later generations, becoming an important symbol in Chinese culture.
From an archaeological perspective, although the He Shi Bi itself has not been definitively found, the jade culture it represents has a long and rich history. The large number of exquisite jade artifacts unearthed from Neolithic sites such as the Hongshan Culture and Liangzhu Culture all demonstrate the unique affection the Chinese nation has for jade. In traditional Chinese culture, jade is endowed with the profound meaning of "a gentleman compares his virtue to jade." It symbolizes purity, steadfastness, gentleness, and wisdom, embodying moral character.
The story of the Jade Returned to Zhao continues to hold profound significance in modern society. It teaches us to uphold principles and use wisdom when facing power and temptation. It also reminds us to cherish cultural heritage and pass on the national spirit. Although the He Shi Bi has faded into the river of history, the cultural spirit it embodies, like jade, remains eternal and brilliant, becoming a precious spiritual treasure of the Chinese nation.