He Shi Bi

The Jade of He

Jade found by Bian He after two punishments; its fame sparked the tale of returning it intact to Zhao.

The jade of He Shi was found by the Chu man Bian He, who offered the rough stone to two kings and lost both feet when its worth was denied. Only the third king had it cut open, revealing a jewel so fine that Qin later offered fifteen cities for it. The stone passed from Chu to Zhao and then to Qin, where it was carved into the imperial seal — a single object binding jade, law and the mandate of heaven.