History about Jade
玉的历史
People believed that jade was the expression of the most beautiful stone. A beautiful piece can be more valuable than fifteen cities and a man’s life. Historic records tell of a story about a stanch man named Bian He who had a piece of jade called ‘ Heshi Bi ’ which was said to be the most priceless treasure in history. However, when Bian He discovered the piece, it was hidden under the veil of the coarse stone in which it laid. He did not dare to carve it but instead dedicated it to the King of State Chu. He never knew that he would pay two legs for his dedication, for the king did not know the real value of the Jade and cut Bian He's legs off. He cried for three days and nights. Afterwards, the new king heard of him and wanted to see whether his jade was as precious as he said. When the jade was cut, all were startled by the delicate quality very soon, it became a national treasure and was called 'Heshi Bi'. So precious was the stone that it even became a source of conflict between the Qin State and Zhao State.
人们认为玉是最美丽的石头。一块上好的玉可超过十五个城市和一个人的生命的价值。历史记录讲述了一个关于一个叫狴犴的人，有一块翡翠被称为“和氏璧”，据说这是历史上的无价之宝。然而，当狴犴发现一块时，它被说成是粗石和被隐藏。他不敢雕刻它，而是献给了楚国的国王。他不知道他会由此付出两条腿，因为楚王不知道翡翠的真正价值。他哭了三天三夜。之后，新国王听说过他，想看看他的玉是否如他所说一样珍贵。当玉被切开，里面精美的质量使人震惊，很快它成为了国宝，被称为“和氏璧”。玉是如此珍贵以至于成为秦国和赵国之间冲突的根源。