In the vast galaxy of Chinese civilization, there shines a brilliant pearl that is not merely a beautiful jade, but a legend embodying loyalty, wisdom, and power—the He Shi Bi. This millennium-old treasured jade, with its dramatic twists and turns, has not only profoundly influenced the course of Chinese history but has also forged the unique Chinese sentiment and cultural perception of jade.
The story begins in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. A jade craftsman named Bian He from the State of Chu discovered a piece of raw jade in Mount Jing. However, when he presented this treasure twice to King Li of Chu and King Wu of Chu, it was dismissed as an ordinary stone, leading to the tragic punishment of having his feet severed. Unyielding, Bian He embraced the raw jade and wept for three days and three nights at the foot of Mount Jing, until his tears ran dry and were replaced by blood. King Wen of Chu, hearing of this, ordered the raw jade to be brought and cut open by a craftsman. Indeed, a dazzling jade was found within the rough stone, astonishing everyone, and thus it was named "He Shi Bi." Bian He's perseverance and tenacity endowed this beautiful jade with its initial tragic and legendary aura.
However, the fate of the He Shi Bi was far from smooth. It passed from the State of Chu to the State of Zhao, becoming the treasure of King Huiwen of Zhao. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, hearing of its great renown, offered fifteen cities in exchange. This led to the timeless tale of "Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao." Lin Xiangru, with his extraordinary courage and wisdom, skillfully maneuvered in the Qin court, facing the powerful Qin's intimidation and temptation, and ultimately returned the He Shi Bi intact to Zhao, preserving Zhao's dignity. This event not only demonstrated the priceless value of the He Shi Bi but also showcased the Chinese nation's spirit of not fearing power and possessing both wisdom and bravery.
Yet, the legend of the He Shi Bi did not stop there. After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, the He Shi Bi eventually fell into the hands of Qin. It is said that 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, Longevity and Prosperity) in small seal script, and had the jade craftsman Sun Shou carve them onto the He Shi Bi, creating the Imperial Seal. From then on, the He Shi Bi was no longer just a beautiful jade; it was endowed with the supreme symbol of imperial power, becoming a mark of legitimacy for successive emperors. Only those who possessed the Imperial Seal could claim to be "奉天承运" (By the Mandate of Heaven) and have the legitimate right to rule the world. The gain or loss of the Imperial Seal often foreshadowed the rise and fall of dynasties, its importance self-evident.
The story of the He Shi Bi profoundly reflects the unique cultural sentiment of the Chinese nation towards jade. In Western culture, diamonds and gold are often seen as symbols of wealth and status, while Chinese people revere jade more. Jade is endowed with the five virtues of "benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, and integrity," embodying the character of a gentleman. The gentle and understated, yet resilient nature of the He Shi Bi perfectly aligns with the traditional Chinese cultural concept of "a gentleman comparing his virtues to jade." It is not merely a precious mineral but a vessel of spirit and a standard of morality.
To this day, the whereabouts of the He Shi Bi remain a mystery, which only adds to its enigmatic charm. Although the physical He Shi Bi is lost, the cultural spirit it embodies lives on. In modern society, jade culture remains vibrant. From jade collecting and wearing to the inheritance and innovation of jade carving art, all reflect the deep affection of the Chinese nation for jade. Many contemporary jade carving works, while inheriting traditional craftsmanship, incorporate modern aesthetic elements, combining the warmth, purity, and noble qualities of jade with the spirit of the times, giving it new life. For example, contemporary jade carving masters create jade artifacts with themes of landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures, which not only showcase exquisite skills but also convey a harmonious and beautiful philosophy of life.
The legend of the He Shi Bi is not just a story about a precious jade; it is a condensed history of Chinese civilization. It witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, carried the wisdom and integrity of the nation, and shaped the unique aesthetic and moral concepts of the Chinese people towards jade. This reverence and love for jade have been deeply integrated into the bloodline of the Chinese nation, becoming an everlasting treasure in the treasury of Chinese culture.