完璧归赵 — “To return something to its rightful owner in perfect condition”

During the Warring States period, King Huiwen of Zhao obtained a priceless jade disc called 'He Shi Bi'. When King Zhaoxiang of Qin learned of this, he sent an envoy to King Zhao, proposing to exchange fifteen cities for the jade. King Zhao was suspicious, knowing the King of Qin was always opportunistic. He worried about offending Qin if he refused, but feared being tricked if he agreed. Unable to decide, he consulted his ministers, who also had no solution.

Lin Xiangru, a retainer, stepped forward and said to King Zhao, 'Your Majesty, please allow me to take the He Shi Bi to the King of Qin. I will act according to the situation. If the King of Qin does not genuinely intend to exchange the cities, I guarantee I will bring the He Shi Bi back intact.' King Zhao, knowing Lin Xiangru was both brave and resourceful, agreed.

Upon arriving in Qin, Lin Xiangru was received by the King of Qin in his palace. Lin Xiangru respectfully presented the He Shi Bi with both hands. The King of Qin admired it greatly, passing it among his ministers, and then to his concubines. Lin Xiangru waited patiently, but the King of Qin never mentioned the fifteen cities. Realizing the King of Qin had no intention of fulfilling his promise, but merely wanted to seize the jade, Lin Xiangru pondered how to retrieve it. He then stepped forward and said to the King of Qin, 'Although this He Shi Bi appears magnificent, it has a minor flaw. Allow me to point it out to Your Majesty.' The King of Qin, eager to see the flaw, immediately ordered the jade to be brought back from the inner palace and handed to Lin Xiangru.

Lin Xiangru took the He Shi Bi, retreated a few steps, leaned against a pillar, and angrily declared to the King of Qin, 'Earlier, Your Majesty sent an envoy to King Zhao, proposing to exchange fifteen cities for the He Shi Bi. While many Zhao ministers advised against trusting Qin's deceptive words, I argued that even commoners value honesty, let alone a great king! King Zhao, trusting my counsel, dispatched me with the He Shi Bi. Yet, Your Majesty accepted the jade, casually passed it around, and completely ignored the matter of the fifteen cities. This clearly shows Your Majesty has no sincerity in exchanging the cities for the jade. Now, the jade is in my hands. If Your Majesty dares to force me, I would rather smash my head and this precious jade against this pillar!' With that, Lin Xiangru raised the He Shi Bi, poised to strike it against the pillar.

The King of Qin initially wanted to order his guards to seize it, but feared Lin Xiangru would indeed shatter the jade. He quickly apologized to Lin Xiangru, saying, 'Minister, please do not be alarmed! How could my words be disregarded?' He then ordered a map to be brought and, pointing to it, pretended to designate fifteen cities for Zhao.

Lin Xiangru, knowing the King of Qin's cunning ways, thought, 'I must not fall for his tricks again!' He then said to the King of Qin, 'The He Shi Bi is a world-renowned treasure. When I brought it to Qin, King Zhao fasted for five days and held a solemn ceremony in his court. Now, for Your Majesty to accept this jade, you should also fast for five days and hold a grand ceremony in your court, only then will I present the jade.' The King of Qin agreed, saying, 'Very well, let it be so!' He then sent Lin Xiangru to the guesthouse to rest.

Upon reaching the guesthouse with the jade, Lin Xiangru immediately instructed one of his attendants to disguise himself as a merchant, wrap the jade, conceal it on his person, and secretly return to Zhao via a secluded path. He gave no thought to what the King of Qin might do to him. Later, the King of Qin discovered what had happened, but it was too late. He considered sending troops to attack Zhao, but Zhao had prepared militarily, making victory uncertain. Ultimately, the King of Qin had no choice but to let Lin Xiangru return to Zhao.

This historical event is known as 'Wan Bi Gui Zhao'. To this day, people who recount this story still commend Lin Xiangru's heroic actions.