In the vast galaxy of Chinese civilization, jade, with its gentle warmth, profound subtlety, and unyielding resilience, has long embodied the spirit and beliefs of the nation. Among the myriad jade legends, the He Shi Bi (Heshi Jade) undoubtedly shines as the most brilliant star. It is not merely a synonym for a rare treasure, but also a symbol of loyalty, wisdom, and national dignity. Its story, from Bian He's tearful persistence to Lin Xiangru's perfect return of the jade, spans millennia and continues to glow brightly.
The story begins in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. There was a jade craftsman in the State of Chu named Bian He, who discovered a piece of uncarved jade in Mount Jing. The raw jade, unpolished and rough on the outside, made it difficult for ordinary people to discern the precious light hidden within. However, Bian He, with his unique insight and deep understanding of jade, firmly believed it to be a rare treasure. Driven by his sincere devotion to the state, he presented the raw jade to the King of Chu twice. Yet, King Li of Chu and King Wu of Chu, swayed by the words of incompetent officials, believed Bian He was deceiving the monarch and successively ordered his feet to be cut off. Bian He did not give up. He embraced the raw jade and cried for three days and three nights at the foot of Mount Jing. His tears ran dry, and then he wept blood. His sorrow and persistence finally moved the succeeding King Wen of Chu. King Wen ordered the jade to be cut open, and indeed, it radiated brilliance and was crystal clear, a sight rarely seen in the world. This jade was then named “He Shi Bi” after Bian He.
The appearance of the He Shi Bi astonished the world. It became famous not only for its unparalleled quality and beauty but also for the legendary aura imbued by Bian He's tragic experience. It became the treasure of the State of Chu, symbolizing its power and glory. However, the fate of precious jade is often closely intertwined with the rise and fall of nations.
Time flowed to the late Warring States period, and the powerful State of Qin had coveted the He Shi Bi for a long time. King Zhaoxiang of Qin sent envoys to the State of Zhao, proposing to exchange fifteen cities for the He Shi Bi. At that time, the He Shi Bi had circulated and ended up in the State of Zhao, owned by King Huiwen of Zhao. This is the background of the famous idiom “Wan Bi Gui Zhao” (perfect return of the jade). The State of Zhao was far less powerful than Qin. Faced with King Qin's threats and inducements, King Huiwen of Zhao was in a dilemma. To surrender the He Shi Bi would bring shame to Zhao, and Qin might not honor its promise; not to surrender it might invite Qin's army to invade. In this critical moment, Lin Xiangru, a high-ranking minister of Zhao, stepped forward and volunteered to go to Qin with the He Shi Bi.
In the Qin court, Lin Xiangru displayed extraordinary courage and wisdom in the face of King Zhaoxiang's arrogance and greed. He first cleverly pointed out a flaw in the He Shi Bi, seizing the opportunity to retrieve the jade into his hands. Then, he righteously denounced King Qin for his dishonesty and threatened to smash his head against a pillar, vowing to perish with the He Shi Bi. King Zhaoxiang, intimidated by Lin Xiangru's awe-inspiring integrity, finally had to agree to fast for five days and exchange the jade with solemn ceremony. However, Lin Xiangru knew that King Qin was not sincere and had already secretly sent someone to return the He Shi Bi to Zhao. By the time King Qin discovered it, the He Shi Bi had safely returned to Zhao, and Lin Xiangru had also made a safe retreat. This incident not only preserved the He Shi Bi but also upheld the dignity of the State of Zhao, demonstrating Lin Xiangru's intelligence and bravery.
The legend of the He Shi Bi did not stop there. After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, the He Shi Bi finally fell into the hands of Qin and was carved into the Imperial Seal, inscribed with the eight characters “受命于天，既寿永昌” (Received mandate from Heaven, may it live long and prosper), symbolizing the legitimacy and eternity of imperial power. From then on, the He Shi Bi transformed into the supreme symbol of power coveted by successive emperors, its fate closely linked to dynastic changes, becoming one of the most culturally significant jade artifacts in Chinese history.
The story of the He Shi Bi is not just about the circulation of a beautiful jade; it is a profound reflection of the spirit of the Chinese nation. Bian He's tears of blood represent the persistent pursuit of truth and value; Lin Xiangru's perfect return of the jade embodies wisdom and courage, a resolute defense of national dignity. It tells us that true treasures are not just about material rarity, but more about the spirit and character they embody. In modern society, we may no longer pursue the physical He Shi Bi, but the integrity, resilience, wisdom, and patriotism it contains remain our invaluable spiritual wealth. It reminds us that while pursuing material civilization, we should also cherish and pass on those timeless cultural essences, allowing the Chinese jade soul to radiate even more brilliantly in the new era.