During the Warring States period, King Huiwen of Zhao possessed a world-famous precious jade – the “Chu He Shi Bi”, which accidentally caught the attention of King Zhao of the powerful Qin state. Upon hearing the news, King Zhao of Qin immediately dispatched envoys to the state of Zhao and proposed exchange terms to King Huiwen of Zhao: “Your Majesty, our state of Qin is willing to exchange fifteen cities for the Chu and Shi Bi of your country
Upon hearing this news, King Huiwen of Zhao’s heart was filled with mixed emotions: “The state of Qin is powerful. If we agree, we fear it will betray our trust; if we refuse, we fear it will lead to military trouble. It is difficult to make a decision.” Seeing this, the courtiers offered their suggestions one after another, and finally someone suggested, “Why not invite Lord Lin Xiangru to come? He is both wise and brave, and must have a good plan
Upon hearing the call, Lin Xiangru arrived and King Huiwen of Zhao opened the door to the mountain. He said, “The King of Qin intends to exchange fifteen cities for the Chu He Shi Bi, but I am hesitant. What do you think?” Lin Xiangru calmly replied, “If Qin is strong and Zhao is weak, rejecting it may not be the best strategy.” “But if Qin does not fulfill his promise, what should he do?” The King of Zhao was deeply worried. Lin Xiangru was confident and said, “If Qin were to exchange Bi for a city, and Zhao did not respond, then Zhao would be at a loss; conversely, if Qin did not fulfill his promise after receiving Bi, it would be Qin’s fault. Therefore, I believe that we should send envoys to Qin with Bi
When the King of Zhao asked who could take on this important task, Lin Xiangru stepped forward and said, “If there is no suitable candidate for the king, I am willing to serve as a servant. If Qin keeps his promise, I will keep the jade in Qin; if Qin breaks his promise, I will return to Zhao intact
Lin Xiangru arrived in the state of Qin and met with King Zhao of Qin, respectfully presenting the Chu He Shi Bi. When the Qin king saw the jade, he couldn’t put it down and passed it on to his courtiers, but he didn’t mention the matter of changing cities at all. Lin Xiangru noticed something was amiss, so he spoke up and said, “Your Majesty, although this jade is beautiful, there are subtle flaws hidden within it. Allow me to guide you.” The King of Qin was curious and asked, “Where are the flaws? Hurry up and come!” Lin Xiangru took the jade and retreated to the pillar of the palace, saying seriously, “There are no flaws in the jade, it was my false words to save it. If Qin were to take it forcefully, I would rather shatter it together with the jade under the pillar!” The King of Qin was greatly shocked and afraid that the jade would be destroyed. He quickly comforted him, “Do not act impulsively, I will immediately cede the city to Zhao
However, Lin Xiangru was well aware of the cunning of the Qin king, so he demanded that the Qin king fast for five days on the grounds of ritual and law, and then perform a grand ceremony to receive the jade. The King of Qin reluctantly agreed. Taking advantage of this gap, Lin Xiangru secretly sent someone to secretly send Biyu back to the state of Zhao.
Five days later, the King of Qin held a banquet as agreed to entertain Lin Xiangru. Xiang Ru faced the King of Qin directly and said, “Since Duke Miao of Qin, many of his lords have betrayed their promises and loyalty. Therefore, I have sent people back to exchange the jade. If the King truly wishes to exchange the jade, please first cut off fifteen cities, and the King of Zhao will fulfill his promise to offer the jade. Now, I request the King to make a ruling
Upon hearing that Bi had returned to Zhao, King Zhao of Qin was angry at his intelligence and courage. Instead of harming him, he treated him with courtesy and sent him safely back to Zhao.
