In the vast galaxy of Chinese civilization, jade is not merely a material treasure but also a spiritual totem. It carries the weight of history and embodies the wisdom of the nation. Among the many jade legends, the story of "The Jade Returned to Zhao" from the Warring States period is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant chapters. This was not just a victory in diplomatic maneuvering, but a vivid interpretation of "integrity" and "moral fortitude" in jade culture.
The prelude to the story begins with a rare and beautiful jade known as the "He Shi Bi." According to "Han Feizi: He Shi," a man from Chu named Bian He discovered an unpolished jade stone in Mount Jing. He offered it to the King of Chu twice, but it was mistaken for an ordinary stone, leading to his feet being severed. It wasn't until King Wen of Chu ascended the throne that Bian He, clutching the unpolished jade, wept for three days and nights at the foot of Mount Jing. Moved by his sincerity, King Wen ordered the stone to be cut open, revealing the exquisite, lustrous, and warm jade within – the He Shi Bi. This jade disc then became the treasured symbol of Chu, its immense value renowned throughout the land.
Time flowed to the late Warring States period, when the State of Zhao acquired this rare treasure. At that time, the State of Qin was powerful and ambitious, eyeing its neighbors. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, hearing of the He Shi Bi, desired to possess it. He sent a messenger to King Huiwen of Zhao, offering to exchange fifteen cities for the He Shi Bi. This was undoubtedly a great temptation, but King Zhao knew Qin's insatiable greed and understood this was a cunning ploy to seize the jade. If he refused, he risked angering the powerful Qin; if he agreed, the cities might not materialize, and the jade would be lost forever. The Zhao court was in a dilemma.
At this critical juncture, Lin Xiangru stepped forward. He advised King Zhao: "Qin is strong, Zhao is weak, we cannot refuse." But he also proposed: "If the cities enter Zhao, the jade remains in Qin; if the cities do not enter, the jade does not return." He volunteered to take the He Shi Bi to Qin. At the Qin court, King Zhaoxiang received Lin Xiangru in the Zhangtai Palace. The King proudly took the He Shi Bi, admiring it greatly, but said nothing about the fifteen cities. Seeing this, Lin Xiangru devised a plan. He claimed the jade had a flaw, retrieved it from the King's hands, then, with a furious expression, held the jade, leaned against a pillar, and angrily rebuked the King: "Your Majesty desired the jade and sent a letter to Zhao. King Zhao summoned all his ministers to discuss, and all said: 'Qin is greedy, relying on its strength, seeking the jade with empty words, and it is unlikely to deliver the cities.' I believe that even commoners do not deceive each other, let alone great nations! And for Your Majesty to abandon the trust and integrity of the world for personal gain, how foolish!" He threatened that if King Qin did not exchange the fifteen cities, he would smash the He Shi Bi against the pillar. King Qin, intimidated by Lin Xiangru's resolve and the jade's value, feigned agreement and ordered him to rest. Lin Xiangru used the night to send his attendant, carrying the He Shi Bi, back to Zhao via a secret path, while he himself remained to deal with King Qin.
When King Qin learned that the He Shi Bi had been returned to Zhao, he was furious but helpless. He knew that killing Lin Xiangru at this point would only earn him a reputation for treachery, which would be detrimental to his state. Ultimately, King Qin could only release Lin Xiangru back to Zhao. Thus, the He Shi Bi was returned to Zhao intact, and Lin Xiangru's name became immortalized in history.
The story of "The Jade Returned to Zhao" not only showcases Lin Xiangru's wisdom and courage but also profoundly reveals the unique status of jade in Chinese culture. The He Shi Bi was not just a beautiful jade; it was a symbol of national credibility and a vessel of national integrity. What it carried was the national spirit of "a scholar would rather die than be humiliated" and the moral foundation of "integrity as the cornerstone." In ancient China, jade was endowed with the virtues of a gentleman, such as "benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, and purity." Wearers of jade were considered people of high moral character. The story of the He Shi Bi is the ultimate embodiment of this jade virtue.
To this day, "The Jade Returned to Zhao" has become a household idiom, signifying the return of something to its rightful owner, and also symbolizing the national spirit of adhering to principles and not fearing powerful forces. In modern society, we still need to draw wisdom from this ancient jade legend. It reminds us that no matter what temptations or powers we face, integrity and moral fortitude are always the foundation of our character. As cultural heritage protectors, we must not only safeguard the material jade but also inherit the excellent qualities of the Chinese nation it embodies. Let the story of the He Shi Bi continue to shine with its unique brilliance in the new era, inspiring generations of Chinese children.