In the vast river of Chinese history, there is a piece of jade that embodies loyalty, wisdom, and courage, whose name has echoed through the ages – the He Shi Bi (Jade Disc of He). This rare treasure, hailed as "a treasure shared by all under heaven," is not merely a priceless material object, but a concrete manifestation of the Chinese nation's pursuit of the spirit of jade. The cultural connotations it holds are enough for future generations to ponder and savor endlessly.
The legend of the He Shi Bi begins with a tragic yet persistent story. During the Spring and Autumn Period, a jade craftsman named Bian He in the state of Chu discovered a piece of raw jade in Mount Jing. Knowing its extraordinary nature, he, with fervent enthusiasm, presented it to King Li of Chu. However, King Li summoned a jade expert to appraise it, who declared it to be an ordinary stone. In a fit of rage, King Li ordered Bian He's left foot to be amputated. After King Li's death, King Wu ascended the throne. Bian He presented the jade again, but was once more accused of deceiving the king, and his right foot was amputated. The pain of two amputated feet did not diminish Bian He's steadfastness to the jade. After King Wu's death, King Wen ascended the throne. Bian He, embracing the raw jade, wept bitterly at the foot of Mount Jing for three days and three nights. When his tears ran dry, he began to weep blood. King Wen, hearing of this, sent someone to inquire. Bian He replied, "I do not grieve for the loss of my feet; I grieve that a precious jade is called a stone, and a loyal man is called a deceiver!" Deeply moved, King Wen ordered the raw jade to be cut open, and indeed, a supreme treasure was found, crystal clear and dazzling. It was then named "He Shi Bi" to commend Bian He's loyalty and discernment. This story not only highlights Bian He's unwavering commitment to truth but also established the He Shi Bi's supreme status as "true jade," leaving behind the timeless tale of "weeping blood to identify jade."
The legend of the He Shi Bi did not stop there. During the Warring States Period, it circulated and eventually fell into the hands of the State of Zhao. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, hearing that Zhao possessed the He Shi Bi, offered fifteen cities in exchange. At that time, Qin was strong and Zhao was weak, leaving King Huiwen of Zhao in a dilemma. Lin Xiangru was entrusted with the crucial mission, taking the He Shi Bi to Qin. In the Qin court, Lin Xiangru, with his extraordinary courage and wisdom, outwitted King Zhaoxiang, ultimately achieving the "perfect return of the jade to Zhao," ensuring the He Shi Bi returned to Zhao unharmed. The story of "perfect return of the jade to Zhao" is not only a classic case in diplomatic history but also a symbol of Chinese wisdom and courage. It tells us that even when weak, one can uphold one's dignity and interests through wisdom and perseverance when facing power. In this process, the He Shi Bi was not merely a piece of jade; it was a symbol of national credibility and integrity.
The cultural significance of the He Shi Bi far exceeds its material value. It represents the profound understanding and lofty pursuit of the concept of "jade" by the Chinese nation. In ancient China, "jade" was not merely an ornament but a symbol of morality, character, and status. In the "Li Ji (Book of Rites) - Pin Yi (Meaning of Presents)," Confucius discussed jade, likening its eleven virtues, such as "warm and lustrous," "dense and firm," and "sharp but not cutting," to the virtues of a gentleman. The discovery, appraisal, and circulation of the He Shi Bi all confirm the cultural essence of "a gentleman compares his virtues to jade" that jade embodies. It symbolizes unwavering loyalty, like Bian He's persistence; it symbolizes wisdom and courage, like Lin Xiangru's perfect return of the jade; and it symbolizes the dignity of the nation and its people.
Although the ultimate whereabouts of the He Shi Bi remain a mystery to this day, with some suggesting that Qin Shi Huang, after unifying the six states, used the He Shi Bi to create the Imperial Seal, which also disappeared in the currents of history. Nevertheless, the story of the He Shi Bi has been passed down through generations, becoming a brilliant pearl in the treasure trove of Chinese culture. In modern society, the legendary spirit of the He Shi Bi continues to inspire us. It reminds us to cherish those seemingly ordinary things that hold immense value; to adhere to our beliefs, even in the face of adversity; and to inherit the excellent qualities of the Chinese nation, being as warm and resilient, wise and courageous as jade. The He Shi Bi, this precious jade embodying the spirit of the Chinese nation, will forever shine with immortal brilliance in our cultural memory.