易水诀 Farewell by Yi River - Story Behind the Song

These are historical events detailed in "Records of the Grand Historian", under "Assassins' Chronicles" (《史记·刺客列传》).

***

Jing Ke lived in the kingdom of Yan during the warring period of China. He was a capable man, well-read and skilled with the sword, earning his share of reputation among the elites.

During his stay in Yan, he crossed path with a musician who played the “Zhu” (an ancient stringed instrument, similar to a zither, struck with a stick) exceptionally well. His name was Gao Jian Li. They became fast friends. The pair often walked through the streets drunk, with Gao striking his Zhu, while Jing Ke singing and clapping to the musical beats. They laughed and cried together, completely absorbed in their pursuit, mindless of the looks from the crowd.

But those were tumultuous times, where kingdoms fought bloody wars for dominance over the central plains. To the west, there’s the rapidly expanding power, the kingdom of Qin. The monarch Ying Zheng seated on its throne will later be known as Qin Shi Huang Di, the first emperor to unite China.

Ying Zheng’s army crushed neighbouring kingdoms with terrifying force and speed, devouring the north like a silkworm would a mulberry leaf. Prince Dan of Yan, fearful of the threat that encroached on his kingdom, sought council with wise men of the kingdom. Jing Ke was then introduced to the prince.

It was decided that Jing Ke shall be sent as an emissary to the king of Qin to negotiate peace by surrendering Yan cities…... in name, that is. Within the scroll of map that he would unroll in the king's vicinity concealed a poisoned dagger.

On the day of Jing Ke’s departure, Prince Dan and Gao Jian Li bade farewell for Jing Ke by Yi river. All dressed in sombre white. All knew, whether his mission succeeded or failed, this wasn’t one he could return from.

As Jing Ke made his way to his carriage, Gao Jian Li started playing his Zhu. Jing Ke clapped with each beat, and sang with a wistful tune. He ended the song with a striking “Shrill winds rise, waters cold; the hero shall go and never come home!” And left without once looking back.

Alas, the mission failed. Ying Zheng survived. Jing Ke died. Five years later, the kingdom of Yan fell to Qin.

Gao Jian Li, known for his talent for the Zhu, was brought to Ying Zheng. Wary of the musician because of his connections to Jing Ke, the king ordered him blinded, thinking it would nullify his threat. Jian Li was then granted the position of court musician. He played spectacularly every time, earning the king’s trust. Just as the king was completely captivated by his performance, he smashed his lead-filled Zhu towards the king. His efforts were in vain, and the king had him killed. Thus, by his relentless wish to avenge his friend, Gao Jian Li too perished.