In the vast and brilliant firmament of Chinese civilization, the luster of jade has always shone brightly. Among countless such splendors, there is one piece of jade that is not only a rare treasure but also a symbol of power and a cultural totem—the He Shi Bi (Heshi Jade). Its story begins with an uncarved jade in the depths of Jing Mountain, enduring blood, tears, loyalty, and betrayal, ultimately becoming the most famous imperial seal in Chinese history, passed down for millennia, inspiring endless contemplation.
I. Weeping in Jing Mountain: The Tragic Prelude of Bian He's Jade Offering
The legend of the He Shi Bi begins in the Spring and Autumn Period with a jade prospector from the State of Chu named Bian He. Legend has it that Bian He discovered a rough, uncarved jade in Jing Mountain, which, despite its crude exterior, contained an inner brilliance. Knowing its extraordinary nature, he enthusiastically presented it to King Li of Chu. However, due to limited jade appraisal techniques at the time, the jade artisans identified it as a common stone. In a fit of rage, King Li, accusing Bian He of deception, ordered his left foot to be amputated. After King Li's death, King Wu ascended the throne, and Bian He, undeterred, offered the jade again. Unfortunately, the same tragedy repeated itself; the artisans again misidentified it, and Bian He's right foot was also severed. Twice he offered the jade, twice he was humiliated, yet Bian He did not give up. When King Wen succeeded to the throne, Bian He, by then a double amputee, still embraced the uncarved jade and wept for three days and three nights at the foot of Jing Mountain. His tears ran dry, turning to blood. King Wen, hearing of this strange event, ordered the jade to be brought to him and commissioned skilled artisans to carefully examine it. When the rough jade was meticulously cut open, a warm, radiant glow instantly illuminated the entire hall; the jade was translucent and exquisite, a rarity in the world. King Wen was overjoyed. To commend Bian He's loyalty and discernment, he named the jade "He Shi Bi."
This story is not merely about the discovery of a beautiful jade; it is a profound portrayal of the difficulty of finding a true connoisseur and of unrecognized talent. Bian He, at the cost of his life, proved the value of the He Shi Bi, and also laid the groundwork for the timeless tale of "returning the jade intact to Zhao."
II. Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao: The Legendary Courage and Wisdom of Lin Xiangru
The fame of the He Shi Bi spread far and wide, attracting the covetous gaze of various states. During the Warring States period, the He Shi Bi fell into the hands of the State of Zhao. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, hearing of it, coveted it greatly and sent an envoy to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the He Shi Bi. Faced with the powerful State of Qin, the Zhao court was in a dilemma: refusing might lead to war, but giving it up risked Qin breaking its promise. In this critical moment, Lin Xiangru stepped forward, volunteering to go to Qin with the He Shi Bi.
In the Qin court, King Qin indeed focused only on admiring the He Shi Bi, making no mention of the cities. Seeing this, Lin Xiangru devised a plan. He feigned that the jade had a flaw and asked to show it to King Qin. Once the jade was back in his hands, he immediately retreated to a pillar, his hair bristling with rage, declaring that if King Qin did not fulfill his promise, he would perish with the jade. King Qin, having no choice, agreed to fast for five days and host a grand banquet. Lin Xiangru seized the opportunity to secretly send the He Shi Bi back to Zhao. Five days later, he calmly faced King Qin, explained the stakes, and ultimately returned safely. This is the famous story of "returning the jade intact to Zhao." It not only demonstrated Lin Xiangru's extraordinary courage and wisdom but also highlighted the supreme status of the He Shi Bi in the hearts of the warring states at that time; it was no longer just a beautiful jade, but a symbol of national dignity.
III. The Imperial Seal: The Ultimate Elevation of the He Shi Bi
After Qin conquered the six states and unified the empire, the He Shi Bi finally came into the possession of Qin Shi Huang. This ambitious and brilliant emperor, understanding the extraordinary significance of the He Shi Bi, ordered Prime Minister Li Si to inscribe the eight characters "Received Mandate from Heaven, Longevity and Prosperity" (受命于天，既寿永昌), and had the famous jade artisan Sun Shou carve it into the Imperial Seal. From then on, the He Shi Bi completed its ultimate elevation from a rough jade to a national treasure, and then to an imperial seal symbolizing the supreme authority of the emperor.
The Imperial Seal, after the Qin Dynasty, passed through various dynasties including Han, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming, becoming a symbol of legitimacy for successive emperors. It witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, carrying the dreams and ambitions of countless emperors. However, during the wars at the end of the Ming Dynasty and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the Imperial Seal mysteriously disappeared and remains an unsolved mystery to this day, adding an enduring enigmatic touch to the legend of the He Shi Bi.
IV. Modern Inheritance: The Eternal Radiance of the He Shi Bi Spirit
Although the physical He Shi Bi has disappeared, the cultural spirit it embodies has been passed down through generations. It represents the ultimate pursuit of beautiful jade, the praise of loyalty and wisdom, and the steadfast defense of national dignity. In modern society, we can still draw strength from the story of the He Shi Bi. It reminds us that true value often requires time and tempering to manifest; it encourages us to dare to fight against power and uphold justice; it also enlightens us that cultural heritage is the root of a nation, requiring our careful protection and inheritance.
As an ancient jade collector, every time I touch a warm piece of ancient jade, I am reminded of the story of the He Shi Bi. It is not just a stone; it carries the weight of history and embodies the wisdom and emotions of our ancestors. The legend of the He Shi Bi is one of the most brilliant chapters in Chinese jade culture, and it will forever shine in our cultural memory, inspiring us to explore, cherish, and pass on this unique Eastern aesthetic and spirit.