Qu Yuan (circa 340 B.C. to 278 B.C.) was a diplomat and adviser to the king in the state of Chu (in present-day central and southern China) during the Warring States Period. He was known for his wisdom, courage, eloquence, and literary talents. Most notably, Qu Yuan was very patriotic and constantly concerned about the well-being of his country.
Jin Shang, another official in the state of Chu, was jealous of Qu Yuan’s talents and often spread lies about Qu Yuan to the king: “Your Majesty, Qu Yuan is very conceited. Because he often discusses affairs of the state with your Majesty, he thinks he is indispensable. He tells other ministers that without him, the kingdom would be done for. He hardly has any respect for your Majesty!”
The king did not know what to believe and in a rage sent Qu Yuan to live in exile.
During the Warring States Period, the states of Chu and Qin were the strongest rivals of the seven states in China.
The king of Qin had always wanted to conquer Chu, so he came up with a plot, offering a beautiful woman to the king of Chu as a concubine. The two kings agreed to meet at the Gate of Wu (at the southern border of the kingdom of Qin, in today’s Shaanxi Province).
Even in exile, Qu Yuan was still constantly concerned about the nation’s affairs. When he heard about the meeting, he rushed back to the capital and urged the king not to go: “Your Majesty, I beg you not to go! The king of Qin is as devious as a poisonous snake. I am sure it’s a setup!” But the king ignored Qu Yuan’s plea.
As fate would have it, the king of Chu was killed by the king of Qin. When Qu Yuan heard the news, he buried his face in his arms and wept, “Your Majesty, why didn’t you heed me?”
A new king was then crowned in the state of Chu. But once again, Jin Shang began spreading lies about Qu Yuan. And Qu Yuan was exiled again.
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