Chinese Idiom: 完璧归赵 (Wan Bi Gui Zhao)
English Translation: Returning the perfect jade to Zhao
pīn yīn: wán bì guī zhào
Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to the successful completion of a mission or the perfect return of an object to its rightful owner, undamaged.
Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru (《史记 · 廉颇蔺相如列传》).
Idiom Story:
During the Warring States period, King Huiwen of Zhao obtained a priceless treasure known as the He Shi Bi, a stunning piece of jade. When King Zhao of Qin learned about this, he sent a letter offering to exchange fifteen cities for the jade, which put King Huiwen in a difficult position. He convened his general Lian Po and other officials to discuss the matter.
The advisors were torn. Refusing the offer could provoke an attack from the powerful Qin state, while agreeing could lead to betrayal if Qin failed to deliver the promised cities. At this juncture, an official named Miao Xian suggested Lin Xiangru, a man known for his wisdom and courage, to handle the negotiation.
King Huiwen summoned Lin Xiangru and posed the dilemma: “Should we trade the He Shi Bi for the fifteen cities? What if we give the jade and don’t receive the cities?” Lin Xiangru confidently replied that they had to make the trade. He argued that if they did not offer the jade, they would be at a disadvantage, but if they did and received nothing in return, the fault would lie with Qin.
The king, still uncertain, asked who should undertake this task. Lin Xiangru offered himself, stating, “If no one else is suitable, I am willing to take the jade to Qin. If they give us the cities, I will leave the jade with them; if not, I will ensure it returns safely to Zhao.”
Thus, Lin Xiangru traveled to the capital of Qin, Xianyang, holding the He Shi Bi. Upon his arrival, King Zhao of Qin received him at an inconspicuous location, which was meant to belittle Zhao’s status. Lin Xiangru presented the jade, but King Zhao was so enamored that he passed it around for his courtiers to admire without discussing the exchange.
Realizing that King Zhao intended to deceive him, Lin Xiangru cleverly suggested that the jade had some flaws that needed pointing out. When the king handed the jade back to Lin, he seized the moment, stepping back and accusing King Zhao of deceit. He dramatically declared that he would rather smash his head against a pillar than let the jade fall into treachery.
Fearing for the jade’s safety, King Zhao hastily apologized and offered the cities. However, Lin Xiangru, suspecting the king’s insincerity, insisted on a five-day period of fasting before any formal transaction could take place. The king reluctantly agreed.
That night, Lin Xiangru disguised a servant as a commoner to safely return the jade to Zhao. After five days, when King Zhao learned that the jade had been returned, he was furious and considered executing Lin Xiangru. However, realizing that killing Lin would not retrieve the jade and could worsen relations, he allowed Lin to return safely to Zhao.
This story illustrates the themes of integrity, wisdom, and the successful resolution of a critical negotiation, encapsulated in the idiom “完璧归赵,” which signifies the triumphant return of something precious without loss.