During the Warring States period of ancient China, the State of Qin was the most powerful, often attacking other states.
Once, the King of Zhao acquired a priceless treasure, the Jade Disc of He. Upon learning of this, the King of Qin wrote a letter to the King of Zhao, offering to exchange fifteen cities for the jade disc.
The King of Zhao was very anxious upon receiving the letter and immediately convened his ministers to discuss the matter. Everyone said that the King of Qin merely wanted to deceive them into handing over the jade disc and that they should not fall into his trap. However, they also feared that if they refused, he would send troops to attack.
At this moment of difficulty, someone suggested that there was a man named Lin Xiangru, brave and resourceful, who might be able to solve the problem.
The King of Zhao summoned Lin Xiangru and asked him what to do.
Lin Xiangru thought for a moment and said, “I am willing to take the jade disc to the State of Qin. If the King of Qin truly exchanges fifteen cities, I will give him the disc; if he refuses to hand over the fifteen cities, I will bring the disc back. Then the State of Qin will be in the wrong and have no reason to send troops.”
Having no other options, the King of Zhao and his ministers sent Lin Xiangru to the State of Qin with the jade disc.
Upon arriving in Qin, Lin Xiangru entered the palace and presented the jade disc to the King of Qin. The King of Qin held the disc in his hands, admiring and praising it, but did not mention the fifteen cities. Seeing this, Lin Xiangru knew that the King of Qin had no intention of exchanging the cities for the disc. He stepped forward and said, “This jade disc has a small flaw; allow me to point it out to you.” The King of Qin, hearing this, handed the jade disc back to Lin Xiangru. Lin Xiangru held the disc, took a few steps back, and stood by a pillar. He said with righteous indignation, “I can see that you have no intention of delivering the fifteen cities. Now the disc is in my hands. If you force me, my head and the disc will be smashed against this pillar!” Saying this, he raised the jade disc as if to strike the pillar. The King of Qin, fearing that he would really smash the disc, quickly said that everything could be discussed, and ordered someone to bring out a map, pointing out the fifteen cities promised to the State of Zhao. Lin Xiangru said that the jade disc was priceless and that he would only hand it over after a grand ceremony. The King of Qin had no choice but to agree to a date for the ceremony.
Knowing that the King of Qin had no intention of exchanging the cities for the disc, Lin Xiangru, upon returning to the guesthouse, had his men disguise themselves and take the jade disc back to the State of Zhao via a shortcut. On the day of the ceremony, Lin Xiangru entered the palace and said frankly to the King of Qin, “The jade disc has already been returned to the State of Zhao. If you are sincere, first hand over the fifteen cities to our state, and we will immediately send someone to bring the disc, keeping our promise. Otherwise, it is useless to kill me, as everyone in the world knows that the State of Qin never keeps its word!” The King of Qin had no choice but to politely send Lin Xiangru back to the State of Zhao.
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