In the vast river of Chinese history, there is a jade that is not only a rare treasure but also a symbol of loyalty, wisdom, and the rise and fall of nations—the He Shi Bi. Its story begins with a man named Bian He from the Chu State and culminates with Qin Shi Huang's unification of the six states, transforming it into the Imperial Seal. Its legendary allure continues to captivate to this day.
Tears of Blood and Unwavering Loyalty: The Beginning
The story opens with a poignant tragedy. According to "Han Feizi - He Shi," during the Spring and Autumn Period, a jade craftsman named Bian He from the Chu State discovered a piece of unpolished jade in Mount Jing. This jade appeared rough on the outside but concealed a peerless gem within. Bian He, fully aware of its value, offered it to King Li of Chu with utmost sincerity. However, King Li summoned a jade master who declared it to be an ordinary stone. Enraged, King Li accused Bian He of deceiving the monarch and ordered his left foot to be amputated.
After King Li's death, King Wu ascended the throne. Bian He, still clutching the unpolished jade and dragging his crippled body, presented it to King Wu once more. The same tragedy unfolded again; the jade master again identified it as a stone, and King Wu, in a fit of rage, ordered Bian He's right foot to be severed. By this point, Bian He had lost both feet, but he did not give up. After King Wu's death, King Wen took the throne. Bian He, holding the jade, wept bitterly at the foot of Mount Jing for three days and three nights. When his tears ran dry, he wept blood. King Wen, hearing of this, sent someone to inquire about his sorrow. Bian He, heartbroken, replied, "I do not weep for my amputated feet, but for this precious jade being mistaken for a stone, and for a loyal subject being branded a deceiver!" King Wen was deeply moved and ordered the jade to be cut open. Indeed, a dazzling, crystal-clear, peerless jade was revealed to the world. To commend Bian He's loyalty and his discerning eye, King Wen named the jade "He Shi Bi."
Returning the Jade Intact: A Tale of Wisdom and Courage
The legend of the He Shi Bi did not end in Chu. During the Warring States Period, it circulated and eventually came into the possession of the Zhao State. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, learning of the He Shi Bi's unparalleled beauty, sent a letter to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the jade. This is the backdrop for the famous historical story of "Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao." King Huiwen of Zhao knew Qin's greed and that the jade would be lost forever, but he also feared Qin's power, leaving him in a dilemma. At this critical juncture, Lin Xiangru stepped forward, volunteered, and journeyed to Qin with the He Shi Bi.
In the Qin court, King Zhaoxiang indeed focused solely on admiring the He Shi Bi, making no mention of ceding cities. Lin Xiangru, with his extraordinary wisdom and courage, feigned a flaw in the jade to retrieve it and then sternly rebuked the King of Qin for his dishonesty. Holding the He Shi Bi, he leaned against a pillar, declaring that if the King of Qin attempted to seize it, he would smash both the jade and his own head. King Zhaoxiang, left with no choice, agreed to fast for five days as a sign of sincerity. Lin Xiangru seized the opportunity to secretly send the He Shi Bi back to Zhao. Ultimately, Lin Xiangru returned the jade intact, not only preserving the national treasure but also upholding Zhao's dignity, a story lauded for centuries.
The Imperial Seal: A Symbol of Power and Divine Mandate
After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, the He Shi Bi finally came into Qin's possession. To demonstrate his supreme imperial power, Qin Shi Huang ordered Prime Minister Li Si to inscribe the eight characters "受命于天，既寿永昌" (Received Mandate from Heaven, May Longevity and Prosperity Endure) in small seal script. The jade craftsman Sun Shou then carved these characters onto the He Shi Bi, creating the Imperial Seal. From then on, the He Shi Bi was no longer just a rare treasure; it became a symbol of imperial authority, a coveted artifact for successive emperors. Those who possessed it were deemed to have received the Mandate of Heaven, possessing legitimate rule over the empire; those who lost it were seen as having exhausted their destiny, a harbinger of dynastic decline.
The Imperial Seal experienced several ups and downs throughout history, passing through numerous dynasties including Qin, Han, Three Kingdoms, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan. It witnessed the rise and fall of countless dynasties. It was sometimes lost and recovered, sometimes its whereabouts unknown, each appearance accompanied by bloodshed and power struggles. The Imperial Seal ultimately disappeared during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, remaining an unsolved mystery to this day, adding more enigmatic allure to the legend of the He Shi Bi.
Modern Legacy: The Enduring Charm of a Cultural Symbol
The story of the He Shi Bi has long transcended the value of the jade itself, becoming a symbol of the Chinese national spirit. It represents unwavering loyalty, like Bian He, who persevered despite immense suffering; it symbolizes extraordinary wisdom and courage, like Lin Xiangru, who remained calm in crisis and upheld national dignity; and it embodies the profound hope for national unity and prosperity. In modern society, the legendary tale of the He Shi Bi continues to be widely recounted, inspiring people to uphold their beliefs and pursue excellence.
In literature, film, art, and other fields, the image of the He Shi Bi frequently appears, serving as an important cultural symbol. It reminds us that true treasures lie not only in material rarity but also in the spiritual value and historical significance they embody. The legend of the He Shi Bi is an epic about resilience, wisdom, loyalty, and power. It will forever shine brightly in the dazzling firmament of Chinese civilization, enlightening future generations and enduring eternally.