In the vast galaxy of Chinese civilization, there shines a brilliant gem that is not only a rare treasure but also a cultural symbol embodying power, integrity, and the rise and fall of nations—the He Shi Bi jade. This jade, hailed as "a treasure shared by all under heaven," has a legendary story that has been passed down for thousands of years, profoundly influencing the Chinese nation's perception and emotion towards jade.
The Tragic Beginning: Bleeding from a Rough Jade, Bian He's Sacrifice
The story of He Shi Bi begins in the Spring and Autumn period with a jade collector named Bian He from the State of Chu. According to "Han Feizi: He Shi," Bian He discovered a piece of rough jade in Mount Chu. Knowing its immense value, he twice presented it to King Li of Chu and King Wu of Chu with a sincere desire to serve his country. However, the jade craftsmen of the time failed to recognize its inherent quality, instead accusing Bian He of deceiving the monarch. Consequently, he suffered the punishment of having his feet amputated twice. Bian He, holding the rough jade, wept for three days and three nights at the foot of Mount Chu, his tears eventually turning to blood. When King Wen of Chu ascended the throne, he learned of this incident and sent for the rough jade. He ordered craftsmen to carefully cut it open, and indeed, a peerless beautiful jade, crystal clear and dazzling, was revealed. This jade was named "He Shi Bi" after Bian He. Bian He's ordeal not only showcased his unique insight into jade and his loyalty to the state but also highlighted the tragedy of "finding a true connoisseur is difficult" and the "obscurity" suffered by the rough jade before its true value was discovered.
Returning the Jade Intact: Lin Xiangru's Tale of Wisdom and Courage
The legend of He Shi Bi did not stop in the State of Chu. During the Warring States period, it circulated and eventually fell into the hands of the State of Zhao. In 283 BC, King Zhaoxiang of Qin learned that Zhao possessed the He Shi Bi and sent an envoy to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering to exchange fifteen cities for the jade. This was undoubtedly a great temptation, but it also concealed Qin's greed and Zhao's crisis. The King of Zhao was in a dilemma and finally decided to send his retainer, Lin Xiangru, as an envoy to Qin. Lin Xiangru, entrusted with this critical mission, traveled to Qin with the He Shi Bi. In the Qin court, King Zhaoxiang was only interested in admiring the jade, with no intention of fulfilling his promise. Lin Xiangru, with extraordinary courage and wisdom, first pretended the jade had a flaw to retrieve it, then angrily denounced the King of Qin for his dishonesty, threatening to smash his head against a pillar. Ultimately, he successfully "returned the jade intact to Zhao." This not only preserved the He Shi Bi but also upheld Zhao's dignity. The story of "returning the jade intact" became a paradigm of wisdom and courage in Chinese history, fulfilling one's mission without disgrace, and further enriched the cultural connotations of He Shi Bi, symbolizing national credibility and integrity.
The Imperial Seal: The Ultimate Destination of Royal Power
After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, the He Shi Bi eventually fell into the hands of Qin. He ordered his prime minister, Li Si, to carve the Imperial Seal from the He Shi Bi, with eight characters in seal script, "Received Mandate from Heaven, Longevity and Prosperity," personally inscribed by Li Si, on its front. This seal henceforth became a symbol of successive Chinese dynasties, representing the legitimacy and supremacy of imperial power. He who possessed the seal possessed the world; he who lost the seal lost the world. The fate of He Shi Bi was closely intertwined with the rise and fall of dynasties. From the Qin to the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Imperial Seal changed hands several times and even went missing for a period, its whereabouts remaining an unsolved mystery to this day. The transformation of He Shi Bi from a rough jade to a national treasure reflects the Chinese nation's reverence for jade and the unique cultural concept of closely associating jade with power and destiny.
The Cultural Significance and Modern Legacy of He Shi Bi
The story of He Shi Bi is not just a legend about a beautiful jade; it is a microcosm of the Chinese national spirit. It embodies the valuing of true talent and learning (Bian He's sacrifice), the upholding of integrity (returning the jade intact), and the yearning for national unity and prosperity (the Imperial Seal).
In modern society, the legend of He Shi Bi still holds profound educational significance. It reminds us:
* The importance of recognizing and cherishing talent: Bian He's experience warns us to be good at discovering and nurturing talent, avoiding burying true value due to short-sightedness.
* Integrity is the foundation of life: Lin Xiangru's wisdom and courage highlight the central role of integrity in interpersonal communication and national diplomacy.
* Cherishing national cultural heritage: As a treasure of Chinese civilization, He Shi Bi reminds us to protect and inherit excellent traditional culture.
Today, although the original He Shi Bi has been lost, its spirit lives forever in the hearts of the Chinese people. It has transformed into the idiom "wan bi gui zhao" (returning the jade intact), becoming an allusion that teaches us to uphold principles and maintain dignity; it has transformed into praise for "rough jade," encouraging us to discover inner beauty and pursue truth, goodness, and beauty. He Shi Bi, this ancient wondrous jade, has long transcended its material form, becoming a spiritual totem of Chinese jade culture and even the entire Chinese civilization, inspiring generations of Chinese people.
Jade, in Chinese culture, is not merely an ornament but a symbol of morality, character, and spirit. The story of He Shi Bi is the most vivid and profound interpretation of this "jade virtue" spirit. It tells us that true value often requires the accumulation of time and the discernment of wisdom, and true virtue can withstand the test of history and be passed down through the ages.