In the brilliant galaxy of Chinese civilization, jade, with its gentle texture, understated luster, and profound cultural connotations, carries the aesthetic tastes and spiritual pursuits of the nation. Among countless jade legends, the He Shi Bi (He Clan Jade Disk) is undoubtedly the most dazzling and soul-stirring gem. It is not merely a beautiful jade piece but a historical epic filled with twists and turns—a legend about loyalty, wisdom, and the fate of the nation.
The story begins in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. In the State of Chu, there was a jade craftsman named Bian He who cherished a raw jade stone, firmly believing it contained a rare treasure. However, the raw jade appeared unremarkable. Twice he presented it to the King of Chu, but both times it was judged as an ordinary stone. As a result, Bian He was punished by having his feet cut off. Yet, he did not give up. When King Wen of Chu ascended the throne, Bian He wept bitterly for three days and nights at the foot of Mount Jing, his tears giving way to blood. Upon hearing this, King Wen ordered the raw jade to be cut open, and indeed, a rare treasure was found inside—crystal clear and radiant. The king named it the "He Shi Bi." This story, first recorded in "Han Feizi · He Shi," emphasizes the difficulty of recognizing talent, the hardship of seeking truth, and Bian He's persistence and faith. It serves as the prologue to the legend of the He Shi Bi before the famous "Return of the Jade Disk to Zhao."
The legend of the He Shi Bi did not end in the Chu royal court. It changed hands over time and eventually came into the possession of the State of Zhao. When King Zhaoxiang of Qin learned that the He Shi Bi was in Zhao, he proposed exchanging it for fifteen cities. King Huiwen of Zhao, aware of Qin’s greed, was reluctant to be deceived but feared Qin’s power, caught in a dilemma. At this critical moment, Lin Xiangru stepped forward, carrying the He Shi Bi to Qin. In the Qin court, Lin Xiangru, with extraordinary courage and wisdom, saw through the Qin king’s trickery. He first pretended to offer the jade disk, but after the king took it, he claimed the disk was flawed and demanded it back, threatening to smash it against a pillar if the king did not exchange it for the fifteen cities. Ultimately, Lin Xiangru returned the jade disk intact to Zhao, preserving not only the He Shi Bi but also Zhao’s dignity. This story of "Returning the Jade Disk Intact to Zhao," recorded in "Records of the Grand Historian · Biography of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru," has become a timeless tale, highlighting the Chinese spirit of courage and wisdom in the face of tyranny.
The story of the He Shi Bi did not end there. After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, the He Shi Bi finally belonged to Qin. It is said that Qin Shi Huang ordered craftsmen to carve it into the Imperial Jade Seal, inscribed with the eight characters “受命于天，既寿永昌” (“Mandated by Heaven, long-lasting and prosperous”), symbolizing the legitimacy and eternity of imperial power. Thereafter, the Imperial Jade Seal became the symbol of legitimacy for successive dynasties—whoever possessed it ruled the empire; whoever lost it, lost the empire. However, this jade seal, bearing countless glories and bloodshed, mysteriously disappeared in the tides of history and remains lost to this day. Its disappearance adds an indelible layer of mystery to the legend of the He Shi Bi and fuels the endless yearning and quest for this unparalleled jade treasure.
The cultural significance of the He Shi Bi has long surpassed its value as a mere jade artifact. It symbolizes the discerning eye for talent, the courage to seek truth, the wisdom to defend national dignity, and the aspiration for universal harmony. Bian He’s persistence, Lin Xiangru’s bravery and wisdom, and the symbolic meaning of the Imperial Jade Seal together form a profound understanding of jade culture in the Chinese nation: jade is not only a symbol of wealth but also a carrier of virtue, faith, and national destiny.
In modern society, although the He Shi Bi no longer exists, its spirit is passed down through generations. We appreciate the exquisite jade artifacts in museums, experiencing the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen; through literature and art, we grasp the profoundness of jade culture. From the Olympic gold-inlaid jade medals to national gift jade carvings, and to the jade ornaments worn in daily life, jade continues to integrate into our lives with its unique charm. It reminds us to hold fast to our beliefs like Bian He, to be wise and courageous like Lin Xiangru, and to cherish tradition and inherit civilization as embodied by the culture carried by the He Shi Bi. The legend of the He Shi Bi is a cornerstone of Chinese jade culture. With its dramatic narrative and profound cultural connotations, it continuously inspires future generations to explore the Chinese spirit behind the beautiful jade and to carry forward the eternal pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty.