THE JADE TREASURE
Among the ancient dynasties of China that of the Chou, 1123 B.C., ranks as one of the most important. The name of its founder, Wu Wang, means “Warrior Prince,” and, though an usurper, he was a most exemplary monarch. At that time there was constant conflict between the many petty states, or kingdoms, each striving for the first place.
An interesting story is told of one of the great treasures of the Kingdom of Chou. One day a poor workman found in the mountains a piece of jade in the rough. He saw that, with polishing, it would be most beautiful; and, making his way to the city, he sought the gatekeeper of the Imperial Palace and asked to see his Emperor. As he declined to give a reason, other than “I have business,” his request was refused. Day after day he came until the officer in charge mentioned the matter to the Emperor, who said that the next time he was to be brought before him. Coming again some days later he was taken to the audience-room. Here he prostrated himself before his Emperor and, holding out the stone, said, “My Master, [[83]]my Lord; in all the world under Heaven there is no second piece of jade equal to this.”
The Emperor looked and laughed, saying, “You are a fool; that is only a stone, common stone.” The man plead so hard that the Emperor sent out and called in some expert workmen in precious stones, and they also looked lightly upon it and said, “Only stone, only stone.” The Emperor then commanded that the man be beaten and driven from the gate. This was done. A few days after the man again appeared and plead his cause so earnestly that a more expert workman was called who said, after careful examination, “Only stone, common stone.” Then the Emperor was very angry and commanded that the man’s legs be cut off and that he be sent home. Months after the man was again carried to the palace gate; here he pleaded so pitifully that the first workman in the kingdom be called, saying, “If he says it is not good you may have my life.” The Emperor was deeply impressed with the man’s persistence and had the most expert lapidary known called. After looking at the stone carefully he said, “Great Emperor, you are most favoured of the gods. I give you joy.”
“And why say you so?” the Emperor asked.
“Because,” was the answer, “this stone is the most perfect jade under Heaven. You will [[84]]be the envy of all the kingdoms of the earth.” The Emperor was distrustful, but he commanded that it be cut and polished and the man who brought it be put in prison. After three days the master-workman returned and delivered, with great reverence, the stone, now indeed the most beautiful in all the world. “No words can describe its loveliness. It is indeed from the gods, and only the gods should wear it,” exclaimed the Emperor, as he held it in his hand. The poor workman was given a great reward. Soon the fame of this wonderful treasure spread over “all the earth”; songs were composed about it; wonderful stories grew up around it until every king who heard of it was filled with envy and sought, by fair or foul means, to possess it.
At last, when the Chou dynasty was going into a decline and the Chin was coming into power, the Prince of Chin sent to the Prince of Chou and promised him twelve cities in exchange for the jade treasure. The Prince of Chou was very sad. He knew, if he did not accept the proposal, the Prince of Chin would make war on him and take it by force, and he also felt sure he would not get the promised cities. In his despair he called his most trusted minister, Lui Hsiang Jui, who, after hearing the demand, said, “My great and mighty [[85]]Prince, do not be troubled or anxious; let me take the treasure to the Prince of Chin. I promise, on my life, to send it back to you if indeed he does not make over the promised cities.” At last it was so decided, and the minister started on his errand.
On reaching the palace of the Prince of Chin, he was welcomed with great state and pomp. After the feasting and festivities were over he presented the jade with great reverence and asked for the twelve cities. The Prince of Chin said nothing in return, but feasted his eyes on the beautiful stone. At last he said, “The residents of the inner palace” (i.e., ladies) “have heard of this wonderful stone and are most anxious to see it. I will send it in to them and you make ready for a second feast I have prepared in your honour.” The minister went to the apartments appointed for him, in great distress of mind. He felt sure the Prince of Chin was not to be trusted, and he must think of some plan by which he could recover the jewel. At the feast nothing was said of the cities, though he inquired about them, and at last he pointedly asked, “Prince of the Great Chin, do you know what it is in the jade that makes it the most beautiful the gods have made?”
The Prince replied, “No, tell me.” [[86]]
The minister replied, “Have the jade brought and I will show you.” Immediately a servant was sent to bring the jade and at the command of the Prince handed it to the Minister of Chou, who, on feeling it once more in his hand, put it in his bosom and sprang to his feet. Putting his back against a pillar, he said, “Great Prince, you think to deceive my master, the very Great Prince of Chou; you do not intend to give him the twelve cities. With my life I will protect this treasure of my country, the pride of my Prince, and if any one attempts to take it from me I will dash it to the ground and destroy it first.”
The Prince of Chin was afraid the jade would either be injured or destroyed if a struggle for possession took place, so he caused the minister to be locked in his rooms until he should willingly give it up.
The news spread all through the kingdom. One day a poorly-clad stranger came to the city and went from house to house begging. When he came to the court where the Minister of Chou was confined, he managed to communicate with him and let him know that he was a countryman of his and would take the treasure home. The minister, Lui Hsiang Jui, folded it in a paper and gave it to him. The next day the Prince of Chin sent and demanded the jade. [[87]]The minister said, “Tell your Great Prince I have sent it back, as I promised, to my Liege Lord.” At first they did not believe his story and a great search was made, but they could find no trace of the treasure. The Prince of Chin was terribly angry and commanded that the minister be killed; then, for fear of the Prince of Chou, he allowed him to depart to his home and country, hoping that the fortunes of war would bring the desired jewel into his possession. He himself did not live to secure it, but long years afterward one of his descendants overthrew the Kingdom of Chou and the much desired and long struggled for jade treasure, “The joy of the gods,” came to the Kingdom of Chin. [[88]]