In the vast starry sky of Chinese civilization, jade is not only a material treasure but also a spiritual totem. Among countless brilliant jade legends, the He Shi Bi (Heshi Jade) is undoubtedly the most dazzling and legendary. It is not merely a beautiful jade, but an epic carrying loyalty, wisdom, courage, and the rise and fall of nations.
The story begins in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. There was a jade craftsman in the Chu State named Bian He, who possessed a piece of unpolished jade, firmly believing that it contained a rare and exquisite jade. However, his discovery was not recognized by King Li of Chu and King Wu of Chu, and he was mistakenly accused of deceiving the monarch, resulting in his feet being cut off twice. Bian He was not disheartened; he embraced the unpolished jade and cried for three days and three nights at the foot of Jing Mountain. When his tears ran dry, he wept blood. This persistence for jade and adherence to truth finally moved King Wen of Chu. King Wen ordered the unpolished jade to be cut open, and indeed, a crystal-clear, dazzling, and peerless jade was found within. It was named “He Shi Bi” after Bian He's discovery.
The legend of He Shi Bi did not stop there. It became famous not only for its rare beauty but also for its political and military significance, making it a focal point of contention among various states. In the late Warring States period, King Huiwen of Zhao acquired the He Shi Bi. Upon hearing this, King Zhaoxiang of Qin sent an envoy to King Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the He Shi Bi. This is the background of the famous idiom “Perfect Return of the Jade to Zhao.” The entire Zhao state was at a loss, fearing both the loss of the jade and the cities. At this critical moment, Lin Xiangru stepped forward. He knew that King Qin was greedy and not sincere in exchanging cities. So, he took the He Shi Bi to Qin. In the Qin court, facing King Qin's intimidation and temptation, Lin Xiangru, with extraordinary courage and wisdom, skillfully maneuvered and ultimately returned the jade intact to Zhao. He angrily denounced King Qin for breaking his promise, and with the determination of “jade and stone burning together,” he intimidated King Qin, preserved the He Shi Bi, and upheld the dignity of the Zhao State. This historical episode not only showcased the value of the He Shi Bi but also highlighted the indomitable and resourceful national spirit of the Chinese people.
The cultural significance of He Shi Bi far exceeds its material value. It symbolizes supreme power and national credibility. After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, the He Shi Bi eventually fell into the hands of Qin and was carved into the Imperial Seal, inscribed with eight characters: “Received Mandate from Heaven, May Live Long and Prosper.” From then on, the He Shi Bi became a symbol of the legitimate imperial power in Chinese history, and successive emperors took pride in possessing the Imperial Seal. Its circulation witnessed the change of dynasties and the rise and fall of nations, becoming a silent historical book in Chinese civilization.
However, the ultimate whereabouts of the He Shi Bi remain a mystery. Some believe it was lost during the chaos at the end of the Qin Dynasty, while others believe it was buried with the Han Dynasty. Regardless of the outcome, the story of the He Shi Bi has been deeply imprinted in the collective memory of the Chinese nation. It is not just a piece of jade, but the embodiment of loyalty, wisdom, courage, and national dignity. In modern society, the legend of He Shi Bi continues to inspire us. It reminds us that true value lies not in external splendor but in the spiritual connotations it carries. Adherence to truth, cherishing integrity, and upholding national dignity—these qualities represented by the He Shi Bi still hold profound practical significance today. Inheriting the spirit of the He Shi Bi means inheriting the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation, allowing this thousand-year-old jade soul to shine with new brilliance in the new era.