In the vast galaxy of Chinese civilization, there shines a dazzling star, which is not merely a beautiful jade, but an epic saga embodying loyalty, wisdom, stratagem, and faith—that is the He Shi Bi. Its story, beginning with a sorrowful cry from the depths of Mount Chu, traversing the flames of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, eventually transformed into the Imperial Seal of Qin Shi Huang, becoming a microcosm of the Chinese nation's ultimate pursuit and spiritual devotion to exquisite jade.
Bloody Tears for Jade: Bian He's Tragedy and the First Encounter with Jade
The legend of the He Shi Bi begins with a man named Bian He from the State of Chu. According to "Han Feizi: He Shi," Bian He discovered a piece of raw jade in Mount Chu. Knowing its immeasurable value, he passionately presented it to King Li of Chu. However, the jade craftsmen of the time failed to identify its authenticity, and King Li, in a fit of rage, ordered Bian He's left foot to be amputated. After King Li's death, King Wu ascended the throne, and Bian He again offered the jade. Yet, it was again misjudged as a common stone by the new craftsman, and King Wu also ordered his right foot to be cut off. Undeterred and resolute, Bian He embraced the jade and wept for three days and three nights at the foot of Mount Chu, his tears eventually turning to blood. This heart-wrenching cry finally moved King Wen of Chu. King Wen ordered the raw jade to be cut open, and indeed, a rare and beautiful jade, crystal clear and radiant, was revealed. People then called it the "He Shi Bi."
Bian He's story is not just about one person's persistence in truth, but also the initial interpretation of the Chinese nation's spirit of "rather be a broken jade than a whole tile" (宁为玉碎，不为瓦全). It signifies that true beautiful jade lies not only in its external splendor but also in its intrinsic character and value, requiring discerning eyes and unwavering faith to protect it.
Returning the Jade Intact: Lin Xiangru's Courage and Jade as a Political Symbol
The legend of the He Shi Bi did not stop there. During the Warring States period, news of the State of Zhao acquiring the He Shi Bi spread throughout the land. King Zhaoxiang of Qin coveted this treasure and sent a letter to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the He Shi Bi. King Zhao knew of Qin's insatiable greed but dared not refuse easily, finding himself in a dilemma. At this critical moment, a retainer named Lin Xiangru stepped forward, volunteering to go to Qin with the He Shi Bi.
In the Qin court, Lin Xiangru faced King Zhaoxiang's intimidation and temptation, displaying extraordinary courage and wisdom. He first feigned presenting the jade, and after the King received it, he cleverly reclaimed the jade by claiming it had a flaw. Then, he indignantly denounced King Qin's perfidy and threatened to "smash his head against a pillar, destroying both himself and the jade," ultimately forcing King Qin to agree to fast for five days and secretly send the He Shi Bi back to Zhao. This is the timeless story of "Returning the Jade Intact."
"Returning the Jade Intact" propelled the He Shi Bi to the center of the political stage. It was no longer merely a rare treasure but became a symbol of national credibility, diplomatic wisdom, and national integrity. Lin Xiangru's courage and wisdom endowed the He Shi Bi with deeper cultural connotations: it represented an indomitable spirit and the courage to defend dignity in the face of power.
The Imperial Seal: Qin Shi Huang's Ambition and Jade as a Symbol of Imperial Power
After Qin unified the six states, the He Shi Bi eventually fell into the hands of Qin Shi Huang. This ambitious and strategic emperor, fully aware of the extraordinary significance of the He Shi Bi, ordered Prime Minister Li Si to inscribe the eight characters "受命于天，既寿永昌" (Received Mandate from Heaven, Longevity and Prosperity) in small seal script onto the jade, creating the Imperial Seal. From then on, the He Shi Bi completed its magnificent transformation from raw jade to national treasure, and then to a symbol of imperial power.
The birth of the Imperial Seal marked the pinnacle of the He Shi Bi's cultural significance. It was no longer a symbol of personal wealth but a legitimate proof of supreme imperial power, a material embodiment of the concept of "divine right of kings." Successive emperors, regardless of their origins, took pride in possessing the Imperial Seal, regarding it as a symbol of legitimacy. The gain or loss of the Imperial Seal could even determine the rise and fall of a dynasty.
The Cultural Legacy and Modern Inheritance of the He Shi Bi
The whereabouts of the He Shi Bi remain a mystery to this day, with some saying it was buried with Qin Shi Huang, and others claiming it was lost during wartime, with various theories circulating. However, its physical form may no longer exist, but the cultural spirit it embodies lives on eternally.
The story of the He Shi Bi profoundly influenced the Chinese nation's concept of jade culture. It is not merely a precious mineral but a material manifestation of the idea that "a gentleman compares his virtues to jade" (君子比德于玉). The warmth, toughness, and flawlessness of jade were endowed with the noble qualities of a gentleman. Bian He's persistence, Lin Xiangru's wisdom, and Qin Shi Huang's ambition are all closely linked to the He Shi Bi, collectively constructing the Chinese nation's unique affection and understanding of jade.
In modern society, the legend of the He Shi Bi continues to inspire us. It reminds us to cherish seemingly ordinary things that hold immense value; to possess Bian He's unwavering perseverance in pursuing truth; and to learn Lin Xiangru's wisdom and courage to defend national dignity. The He Shi Bi, as the spiritual totem of Chinese jade culture, will forever shine in the long river of history, guiding our eternal pursuit of beauty, integrity, and wisdom.