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The idiom we are learning today is developed from a legend
which derives from a piece of priceless jade.
The idiom tells us a plain but profound truth that
we can’t take things that belong to other people.
If it is ignored in interpersonal communication,
character defects will be reflected;
if it is ignored in communication between nations,
the honor of a nation will be damaged.
Hello everyone, welcome to Steven’s idiom story.
Let’s grasp the essence of Chinese,
understand the history of China and appreciate
the culture of China by learning Chinese idioms.
The idiom we are learning today is Jade of Zhao
Let me explain what it means.
It means returning something intact to the owner.
People use this idiom when they
return something belonging to the others in good condition.
We usually say: it belongs to you and I will return it back
in good condition for sure as Jade of Zhao in Chinese
in spoken language and written language.
This simple idiom illustrates the truth that we can’t steal
anything belongs to the others and we must return it back
in good condition. This is also true in the
communication between nations.
“Jade of Zhao” derives from Records of the
the Historian – biographies of Bo Lian and Xiangru Lin,
which was written by the famous historian and
litterateur in the Western Han Dynasty – Qian Sima.
The story took place in the Period of Warring States.
The king of Zhao obtained a piece of priceless jade
The king of Qin wanted to have this jade
after he heard this news,
so he wrote a letter and sent someone to deliver it to
the king of Zhao. The messenger told the king of Zhao after
he arrived that the king of Qin will offer 15 cities
for the exchange of this priceless jade.
The King of Zhao cherished this jade and
was reluctant for the exchange,
but he was afraid that it would offend the king
of Qin since Zhao was very weak.
The king of Qin might start the war if he was unhappy.
It was such a greatly difficult problem for the king of Zhao.
Xiangru Lin, who was the minister of Zhao,
volunteered to seek an audience with the
king of Qin bringing the priceless jade.
He said he will apply different strategies according to the
circumstances and if the king of Qin refused to offer 15 cities
for the exchange he will definitely bring the
undamaged jade back.
The king of Zhao knew that Xiangru Lin was wise and brave,
so he agreed. Xiangru Lin came to Qin
with the priceless jade,
he knew that the king of Qin was unwilling to offer 15 cities
for the exchange even if he was fond of this jade.
Xiangru Lin brought the jade to see the king of Qin.
The king of Qin was so delighted with it that he
could hardly bear to put it down.
Then, he showed the jade to each of the ministers who
were present and sent someone
to bring it to his concubines.
Everyone was very fond of it.
Xiangru Lin had waited a long time and still didn’t receive
any reply from the king of Qin
about the 15 cities for exchange.
He knew that the king of Qin wasn’t sincere,
but how could he get the jade back
when it was in the king’s hands?
He was occurred with a plan,
so he told the king that:" the jade had a tiny defect even
though it was excellent and I would like to show it."
Therefore, the king of Qin recalled the jade
from his concubines without hesitation and
returned it back to Xiangru Lin.
Xiangru Lin leaned against a stone pillar holding
the priceless jade and talked to the king of Qin that
even though all of the ministers of Zhao didn’t believe when
your majesty offered 15 cities for the exchange of this jade,
I didn’t choose to follow because I believed that
even an ordinary citizen will not break his promise,
let alone the king of a country.
That was the reason why the king of Zhao appointed
me to come for the exchange.
If your majesty can not keep the promise
and forced me to hand over the jade,
I would rather crash my head into the
stone pillar with the jade.
Xiangru Lin was about to crash himself into the pillar
and the king of Qin intended to order
the soldier to grab the jade,
but he was afraid that Xiangru Lin will really smash it.
So he immediately apologized to Xiangru Lin
and said that don’t worry,
how could my words not count?
Meanwhile, he ordered someone to bring the map and
pretended to point the map and said 15 cities
in this area will be assigned to Zhao.
Xiangru Lin remained himself to be aware of the tricks
that the king of Qin would play.
Therefore, he told the king of Qin that this jade
was well-known in the world so our king had fasted
for five days and a grand farewell ceremony of the jade
was held as well before I brought it to Qin
Now, if your majesty wanted to accept this precious jade,
fasting should be continued for at least five days
and the ceremony of accepting the jade must be held
in the court as well.
Only in this way can I present the jade to Qin.
The king of Qin agreed, but he actually didn’t
want to offer his cities.
He was thinking about how to make the jade his own when
he arranged Xiangru Lin to stay in his mansion.
Xiangru Lin saw through the king of Qin,
so he asked one of his entourages to dress up like a
merchant and hid the jade under his clothes,
then rushed back to Zhao secretly.
It was too late when the king of Qin discovered.
He had to let Xiangru Lin go even though he
was very angry for he was clear that his behavior
wasn’t above board and he was afraid that it would
become a shame if it is known by others.
This is the story in history behind this idiom.
"Jade of Zhao" is commonly used now.
Thank you for watching and see you next time.