In the brilliant galaxy of Chinese civilization, jade is not only a material carrier but also a spiritual totem. Among countless jade legends, the He Shi Bi (Heshi Jade) is undoubtedly the most dazzling one. It not only carries the tragic story of Bian He crying blood but also witnesses the wisdom and courage of Lin Xiangru returning the jade intact. This precious jade, passed down for thousands of years, has long surpassed its intrinsic value and become a symbol of the Chinese nation's unremitting pursuit of beauty, integrity, and national dignity.
The story begins in the Spring and Autumn Period in the State of Chu. A woodcutter named Bian He discovered a piece of unpolished jade in Mount Jing. Knowing its extraordinary nature, he, with sincere devotion to his country, presented it to King Li of Chu. However, the jade craftsmen at the time failed to identify its authenticity, instead deeming Bian He a deceiver and having his left foot amputated. After King Li's death, King Wu of Chu ascended the throne. Bian He presented the jade again, only to suffer the same fate, losing his right foot. Twice he offered the jade, twice he was punished, yet Bian He never gave up. When King Wen of Chu came to power, Bian He, embracing the unpolished jade, cried for three days and three nights at the foot of Mount Jing. His tears ran dry, and then he wept blood. King Wen, hearing of this, sent for him and ordered craftsmen to carefully identify it. Finally, a peerless beautiful jade was carved, named "He Shi Bi" after Bian He.
The legend of He Shi Bi did not stop there. With its warm texture, crystalline luster, and exquisite carving, it became the treasure of the State of Chu, coveted by other states. During the Warring States Period, King Huiwen of Zhao acquired this rare treasure. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, upon hearing the news, sent a letter to King Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the He Shi Bi. This is the background of the famous story "Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao." King Zhao knew that Qin was powerful; if he refused, it might lead to war; if he agreed, he feared that King Qin would go back on his word after obtaining the jade. In this dilemma, a retainer named Lin Xiangru stepped forward, volunteering to take the He Shi Bi to Qin.
In Qin, Lin Xiangru, facing King Zhaoxiang's threats and temptations, displayed extraordinary courage and wisdom. He first feigned agreement to present the jade. After King Qin took the He Shi Bi, Lin Xiangru cleverly tricked it back into his hands, claiming the jade had a flaw. Then, he righteously pointed out that King Qin had no intention of exchanging cities for the jade and threatened that if King Qin forcibly took it, he would perish with the He Shi Bi. Under Lin Xiangru's eloquent arguments, King Qin ultimately failed to achieve his goal, and Lin Xiangru successfully returned the jade intact to Zhao. This incident not only preserved the He Shi Bi but also upheld the dignity of the State of Zhao, becoming a classic tale in Chinese diplomatic history.
The fate of the He Shi Bi was full of twists and turns. It eventually fell into the hands of Qin Shi Huang, who had it carved into the Imperial Seal, inscribed with eight characters: "Received Mandate from Heaven, May Longevity and Prosperity Endure," symbolizing the supreme authority of the emperor. However, with the change of dynasties, the Imperial Seal changed hands several times and eventually disappeared, leaving endless speculation and regret. Although the physical He Shi Bi is no longer traceable, its cultural significance has transcended time, enduring and renewing.
The legend of He Shi Bi first highlights the unique aesthetic and value recognition of jade by the Chinese nation. Jade is regarded as the "most beautiful of stones," and its warm, restrained, tough, and unyielding character highly aligns with traditional Chinese virtues. Bian He's persistence in presenting the jade three times embodies the adherence to truth and value, and the courage to sacrifice everything for it. The story of Lin Xiangru returning the jade intact further closely links jade with national integrity and dignity. This small jade disc carries the national spirit of "a scholar would rather die than be humiliated" and has become a symbol of diplomatic wisdom.
In modern society, the legend of He Shi Bi still holds profound inspirational significance. It reminds us that while pursuing material wealth, we should cherish spiritual values even more. It encourages us, when facing difficulties and challenges, to learn Bian He's perseverance and Lin Xiangru's wisdom and courage. The story of He Shi Bi is not only a legend about a beautiful jade but also a vivid portrayal of the Chinese national character. It is like a mirror, reflecting our pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, our defense of national dignity, and our cherish of cultural heritage. As cultural heritage protectors, we have a responsibility to pass on these ancient and profound jade culture stories in a more vivid and attractive way, so that more people can understand and fall in love with the jade soul that has been passed down for thousands of years in this land.