Echoes of History Biography: Ying Zheng, Qin Shi Huang 秦始皇嬴政

Ying Zheng, Qin Shi Huang 秦始皇嬴政 

(Founder of the Qin dynasty, 259 BC - 210 BC)

I have written an introduction to this First Emperor of a united China for a previous entry, “Ancestor of Dragons”. 

To get a sense of the time period he lived, his reign roughly corresponds to the time of the Punic wars in the Roman Republic on the other side of the world. 

The YouTuber Xiran Jay Zhao uploaded a video telling the life story of Qin Shi Huang in all the exciting details: The First Emperor of China's Ridiculously Dramatic Life

Xiran also touched on the stories of other contemporary figures where they intersected with Qin Shi Huang: Bai Qi, Jing Ke, Gao Jianli, Li Si, Han Fei. 

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The Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu team wrote two songs for Qin Shi Huang, and one other song with him as one of the great Chinese emperors. 

The first is the aforementioned “Ancestor of Dragons” (《祖龙吟》). This song focuses on Qin Shi Huang as a human, dealing with the struggles of his time, which is more contemplative in nature. 

Original video link (by Vocaloid): https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV11b411k7ym

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The second song, celebrating his achievements and legacy, is titled "Beginning of Eternity" (《始见千秋》), where his prime minister Li Si also makes an appearance. 

There's an excellent English translation by Conho with detailed explanations available, which I highly recommend and think it deserves more recognition. 

Original video (Vocaloid): https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1JG4y1b7oB

Original video (human vocals as above): https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1de4y1172D

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In the third song, he is included in the ranks of great emperors,《数风流》.  Again, Conho has a superb translation, titling it "The Distinguished and Remarkables". 

Original video link: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Wg4y1W7jK

Echoes of History Biography: Sima Qian 司马迁

Sima Qian 司马迁 

(Han dynasty, 145 BC - c. 86 BC)

Illustration of Sima Qian. Source: https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_8173686 

Also known as “The Grand Historian” (太史公*) or “Saint of History” (“史圣”) for his accomplishment in giving us the “Records of the Grand Historian” or “Shiji” (《史记》). 

*Taishi Gong is also the name of the official post that Sima Qian held in court. 

Till this day, Sima Qian’s work is one of the most important references for historical records from the very early ages of Chinese civilization up till the early Han dynasty. 

This feat is made even more respectable for what Sima Qian endured for its sake. He took upon himself the ultimate humiliation for a noble scholar of his time, in exchange for the completion of his life’s work. 

Sima Qian’s father, Sima Tan (司马谈), harboured a great ambition to put together a record of historical events from the beginning of time as they knew it, up until their era. In fact, Sima Tan had already done much preparatory work, but was struck by illness before he could realise his dream. On his deathbed, Sima Tan held his son’s hands in tears and passed this mission onto Sima Qian. 

Sima Qian pledged to his father’s cause with full conviction. He had been well versed in the classics in his teens, and had travelled around the realm in his twenties. He could therefore leverage his knowledge and experiences to gather information, survey historical sources, and meticulously vet them for inclusion in his book. 

Yet, fate dealt Sima Qian an unexpected and devastating blow. It all started when a military general, Li Ling (李陵), grandson of the famous General Li Guang (李广), was defeated by the nomadic Xiongnu in the north, and was forced to surrender after a valiant retaliation. Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝) was enraged by his surrender, but Sima Qian stood out and spoke on behalf of Li Ling. He asserted Li Ling’s innocence, and that this surrender was just a ploy out of desperation. 

The emperor listened to Sima Qian at first, but intelligence came back claiming that Li Ling was training enemy soldiers. This was later proven to be untrue. 

Blinded by rage, the Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝) ordered the death of Li Ling’s entire household, and for Sima Qian’s imprisonment. The emperor then gave Sima Qian two choices: death, or castration. 

As a scholar descended from a noble family, refined and well-educated, going through as shameful an ordeal as castration was unthinkable. The saying goes, “the nobleman can be killed, but cannot be humiliated”. 

However, his life’s work has not been completed. Death at this point would close any possibility of doing so. 

Sima Qian therefore made the difficult choice of castration so that he can fulfill his father’s wish to complete this, which he succeeded in every aspect. 

Records of the Grand Historian, published 1982 by Zhonghua Book Company. 

Source: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8F%B2%E8%AE%B0 

The way in which Sima Qian recorded history was accessible, engaging, and yet refrains from excessive subjectivity in its presentation of historical events. 

Through both the natural attrition from the passing of time and from human interference (most notably the book burnings by Qin Shi Huang), Sima Qian’s organised records proved immensely valuable in understanding the early ages of Chinese civilisation. The learned people across the ages have sung praises for the discipline in the factual records and the precision in language demonstrated in Sima Qian’s work. 

All in all, Sima Qian has set a towering precedence for Chinese historians in the ages to come, with "Records of the Grand Historian" ranking first in the series of twenty-four historical records deemed to be official history. 

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On that note, the Youtube channel “Overly Sarcastic Production” has an excellent video briefly introducing the background of ancient China, and mentions Sima Qian’s story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ-yjGDrRM8 

For a more in-depth exploration into early Chinese history, the “Fall of Civilizations” channel featuring the Han dynasty is another stellar production, which also references Sima Qian’s work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwEkp4I75OA 

Stylised depiction of Sima Qian in the thumbnail for “Echoes of History”, by the Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu (WCFHL) production team. 

Source: https://zh.moegirl.org.cn/%E6%97%B7%E5%8F%A4%E5%9B%9E%E5%93%8D 

Historians by WCFHL. Front to back (also earliest to most recent): Sima Qian, Ban Zhao, and Sima Guang.  

Source: https://android.100520.com/app/65207  

Echoes of History Biography: Han Fei 韩非

Han Fei / Han Feizi 韩非/韩非子

(Pre-Qin, c. 280 BC - 233 BC)

“You claim your spear unstoppable, and your shield impenetrable. But what happens if your spear strikes your shield?” 

Depiction of Han Feizi.

Source: https://baike.baidu.com/item/韩非/1111 

Map of the Warring States period: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warring_States_period 

Han Fei was a prince of the Kingdom of Han during the Warring States period. 

He was perhaps better known as Han Feizi, one of the greatest Legalist philosophers. 

Though Han Fei wasn’t a good orator, he was an exceptional writer, possessing a cutting brilliance, a militantly logical mind, and a canniness in combining them with artistic expression. Other than his writings on governance and philosophy, he also wrote short stories that were filled with paradoxes and revealed various logical fallacies. 

There’s the man who, after retrieving a rabbit that died colliding into a tree, decides to wait under the tree everyday for another free lunch. 

There’s the king who ignores his doctor’s warning and remains in denial of his ill health, just as one ignores sound advice to address one’s own weaknesses. 

And of course, there’s the weapon’s salesman who makes those ludicrous claims on his spears and shields. 

Han Fei had also been Li Si’s schoolmate, under the same teacher Xunzi. Han Fei was smarter, more perceptive, and more knowledgeable than Li Si, yet his kingdom was failing because the King of Han rarely took his advice, not until everything was too late. 

The King of Qin was enamoured by Han Fei’s written works, so much so that he attacked the kingdom of Han and forced them to hand Han Fei over. 

Han Fei was therefore brought to the Kingdom of Qin. However, Li Si, sensing a threat to his own position, persuaded the king to have Han Fei killed. The king later regretted his decision.

Nevertheless, Han Fei cast a long shadow in our cultural consciousness, especially with the thought-provoking fables and idioms that remains very much alive to this day. 

Han Fei‘s character song in the Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu series, 《是非》, is roughly translated as “Rights or Wrongs”, which is also a wordplay on his name. The video above is a cover.

Youtube video (original vocals) with English translations and detailed explanations linked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erh4GvYLcuk

Original video link: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV14K4y1E7t4

Echoes of History Biography: Li Si 李斯

Li Si 李斯

(Warring States to Qin dynasty, 280 BC - 208 BC)

Li Si (left) and Qin Shi Huang (right) as characters in the Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu music and game production. 

Source: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1de4y1172D

Li Si came from the Kingdom of Chu and had been educated in the legalist school of thought from the renowned philosopher Xunzi. 

As an ambitious and learned young man, Li Si understood the importance of a conducive environment towards personal success in life. He refused to accept a life grovelling in poverty and social inferiority. 

He therefore moved to the Kingdom of Qin to seek better prospects, for Qin had adopted an open policy towards foreign talents, no matter their background, to strengthen the country during the Warring States period. 

About ten years after he settled in the Kingdom of Qin, suspicions towards foreign-born officials and advisors reached its height, spurred by incidences of political espionage. The court of Qin debated a notion to expel all foreign born advisors.

Li Si had not let this deter him. Instead, he wrote a cogent letter to the king, “Petition Against the Expulsion of Foreigners”. His eloquence and sound arguments changed the king’s mind. He was reappointed and later promoted, all the way till he became the king’s chief advisor, and till the King of Qin became the first emperor of the united China, Qin Shi Huangdi. 

Engravings of Li Si’s letter.

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Li_Si_Yishan_Stele_Copy.jpg

Illustration of Qin Shi Huang and Li Si. 

Source:  https://bkimg.cdn.bcebos.com/pic/91ef76c6a7efce1b65266eb2ad51f3deb48f65bd

Li Si, as the Left Prime Minister, was heavily involved in the policies of the new united realm. This included the standardisation of writing, measurements, currency, and transportation, which laid important foundations towards a unified China today. 

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Li Si does not have a dedicated song for himself in the Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu series so far, but instead makes an appearance in 《始见千秋》, roughly translated as “Beginning of Eternity”, which celebrates the achievements of Qin Shi Huang and the Qin empire. 

Singing in the traditional Qin-styled opera technique, originating from the northwest of China, has been incorporated in the version with human vocals. 

Original video (Vocaloid): https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1JG4y1b7oB

Original video (human vocals as above): https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1de4y1172D

Echoes of History Biography: Bai Qi 白起

Bai Qi 白起 

(Pre-Qin, Warring States period, 332 BC - 257 BC)

He was nicknamed “the human butcher” back then, and dubbed the “nuke of the Warring States period” today, believed to be directly responsible for an estimated one million deaths. 

Bai Qi in the TV series “The Qin Empire”, played by actor Xing Jiadong. 

Source: https://pix2.tvzhe.com/thumb/character/170/740/405x540.jpg

Being one of the four most famous military generals, he was a scarily effective commander who won many impossible battles, never suffering a single defeat. Most notably, he often massacred entire enemy troops, decimating the core military strengths of enemy states. He was so feared that no one would fight against him if they knew he was the commander on the other side. 

The battle of Changping was one of the most defining events of his life. The Kingdom of Qin, who Bai Qi served, was at war with the Kingdom of Zhao. He first tricked the Zhao ruler into distrusting his top commander, whose abilities was Bai Qi’s match, the legendary General Lian Po, and replaced him with an inexperienced youth, Zhao Kuo, better suited at theorising than actual combat. In the meantime he himself secretly took over command at the frontlines. With that, Bai Qi successfully goaded the Zhao army into open battle, where he dealt them a devastating blow and had the young general killed in battle. 

The Zhao army conceded defeat on the promise that they would be spared. However, likely out of concerns about controlling the huge number of prisoners, Bai Qi alas had all four hundred thousand of the surrendered Zhao soldiers buried alive. It is said that for many years one hardly saw men over the age of fifteen in the Kingdom of Zhao. 

He had wanted to follow it up and completely destroy the Kingdom of Zhao then, but his own superior, King Zhaoxiang of Qin (秦昭王/秦昭襄王), feared that Bai Qi’s success would threaten his position, and ordered his retreat. 

Years later, King Zhaoxiang of Qin wanted to invade the kingdom of Zhao once more, but Bai Qi objected vehemently, citing that the kingdom of Zhao would have recovered with a deep vengeance, and the Qin army could not win. After a few failed expeditions, King Zhaoxiang forced Bai Qi to take up command on the threat of death. 

However, not long upon Bai Qi’s leave from the capital, King Zhaoxiang of Qin heeded the words of Bai Qi’s rival, who said that Bai Qi deliberately delayed his travel out of dissatisfaction. The king thus ordered his death. 

The irony for this God of Murder and War (as people used to worship him) is that he died for refusing to go to war. 

From the “Records of the Grand Historian”: 

“On the eleventh month of the fiftieth year under the reign of King Zhao of Qin, his Highness sent an emissary with a sword to Bai Qi, the Lord Wu’an, and ordered his death. Lord Wu’an placed the sword to his neck, and said, ‘What wrong have I done unto the heavens to deserve this fate?’ After a long while, he said, ‘I deserve to die. The Battle of Changping, some hundred thousands of Zhao soldiers surrendered, I deceived them and buried them all, it is deserving enough for me to die.’ He then killed himself.”

Trivia:

Bai Qi was so hated that to this day, a tofu dish around the ancient Changping region (now Gaoping) is still called “Bai Qi meat”. 

On the other hand, after his death, people from the kingdom of Qin mourned him and worshiped him as their guardian deity.

Bai Qi's character song by Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu, 《起战令》, can be translated as "Order to War", which is also a wordplay on his name. 

Original video link: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1fg4y1c7pD 

I'm personally quite a fan of Xing Jiadong as Bai Qi, so here's a bonus video: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1uf4y1B7Wf 

Echoes of History Biography: Goujian (King of Yue), Fuchai (King of Wu) 越王勾践、吴王夫差

Goujian (King of Yue) & Fuchai (King of Wu) 越王勾践、吴王夫差

(Pre-Qin, Spring and Autumn period; 496 BC - 465 BC, 495 BC - 473 BC)

The Wu-Yue Contention

A cautionary tale against complacency and indulgence;

An affirmation of the power of will and perseverance. 

During the Spring and Autumn period, the Kingdom of Wu and the Kingdom of Yue fought for dominance over the Gusu area, today named Suzhou. 

In the year 494 BCE, Fuchai, King of Wu, successfully defeated the Yue army and surrounded their king, Goujian. Fuchai had thus fulfilled his vow and avenged his father, who died fighting Goujian’s army. 

Goujian conceded defeat, swore loyalty to Fuchai, and annexed substantial lands to the Kingdom of Wu. He even agreed to be Fuchai’s menial servant, driving his carriage and caring for his horse. 

Against the vehement advice of his chief advisor, Wu Zixu, Fuchai spared the lives of Goujian and his men. After three years of service, Fuchai became convinced by Goujian’s act and pledges of loyalty, and released him back to the land of Yue. 

Upon his return, Goujian never gave himself a day’s rest. To reaffirm his will and remind himself of the humiliation he went through, Goujian would sleep on rough straws and taste gall from a gallbladder hung from the ceiling everyday. For ten long years, he schemed to topple the Kingdom of Wu while Fuchai indulged in his victories and the luxuries that followed. 

Goujian played by actor Chen Daoming from the TV series “The Great Revival”. 

Source: https://news.sohu.com/20061229/n247326822.shtml 

To hasten his downfall, Goujian often sent gifts and beautiful women as offerings to Fuchai. Herein comes one of the famed four great beauties of ancient China - Xishi (西施). 

Source: https://m.aihanfu.com/baike/24/ 

Legend has it that one of Goujian’s chief advisors, Fan Li, discovered Xishi while she was washing clothes by the river. She was described to possess beauty that shamed the moon and flowers. Fan Li presented her to Goujian as an offering for Fuchai. 

Fuchai of course took to this offer with delight. He neglected governance of his kingdom, to the chagrin of his advisor, Wu Zixu. 

Wu Zixu pressed the importance of getting rid of Goujian, “Goujian eat no more than two dishes for his meals, and shares in the hardship of his people. If he stays, he will one day be a great threat to us.” 

But Fuchai ignored his advice. After repeated clashes, the prideful Fuchai ordered Wu Zixu to take his own life. 

Wu Zixu’s warnings were prophetic, as Fuchai realised, after misstep by misstep, he found himself surrounded by Goujian’s army. In despair, he said, “I am old, and can no longer serve the King of Yue. I regret not listening to Wu Zixu, which has led me to this!” Fuchai then ended his own life, so too the existence of the Kingdom of Wu. 

Goujian emerged as the victor of this generational rivalry. 

All of which are but brief flashes in the grand scheme of history, a prelude for countless tales to come. 

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Other than stories, they also left us magnificent archeological findings - The Sword of Goujian and the Spear of Fuchai, both displayed in the Hubei Provincial Museum presently. 

The Sword of Goujian. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_of_Goujian 

The Spear of Fuchai. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spear_of_Fuchai

Both of which are featured in their song by Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu.  

The official character song for Goujian and Fuchai (《问剑春秋》) can be roughly translated as "Sword's Contention of the Spring-and-Autumn". 

In the thumbnail above, Fuchai is shown on the left while Goujian is on the right. 

Official video link: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Uu4y1Z7vN 

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Trivia:

This advisor, Wu Zixu, is the same person mentioned in the story on “Niangao” or New Year rice cakes by "Tasting History by Max Miller" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=An6myivFE8A&t=7s 

“Lying on straws and tasting gall” (卧薪尝胆）is an idiom still used to describe someone very committed to turn oneself around. It is also the original Chinese title of “The Great Revival”. 

Echoes of History Biography: Gan Jiang, Mo Ye 干将、莫邪

Gan Jiang & Mo Ye 干将、莫邪 

(Pre-Qin, Spring and Autumn period)

A swordsmith couple during the turbulent Spring and Autumn period, who forged a famous pair of swords. The “male” blade was named after Gan Jiang, and the “female” blade was named after Mo Ye. 

Source: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%B9%B2%E5%B0%86%E8%8E%AB%E9%82%AA/550371

Their stories come from a mix of history, legend, and fiction, varying wildly in different sources, with the forging of the paired swords a commonality in all. 

One of the versions had Gan Jiang encountering trouble completing the forging of the swords, so Mo Ye threw herself (or her nails and hair in some of the tales) into the fire, and thus the swords were made. 

Replica of the Gan Jiang and Mo Ye paired swords. 

Source: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%B9%B2%E5%B0%86%E8%8E%AB%E9%82%AA/550371#1 

In arguably the most exciting version, Gan Jiang and Mo Ye succeeded in forging the prized sword for the king in three years, but Gan Jiang presented only the female sword and hid the male sword. Knowing he was going to be killed, he told his pregnant wife that, should the baby be a boy, tell the boy to find the sword in a rock where a pine grew on it, on the Southern mountain near their house. 

Gan Jiang was indeed executed by the furious king. Mo Ye gave birth to a boy called Chi, and after the boy was grown, did as Gan Jiang said when the boy asked for his father. Chi found the sword, then started off on his journey to avenge his father. 

The king dreamt that a youth of extraordinary appearances was out to kill him. Frightened, he placed a great bounty to whoever could kill this youth. Chi then hid in the mountains, and was so overwhelmed that he sang with sorrow and wept bitterly. A nameless passerby asked the reason for the youth’s deep sorrow, so Chi told him. The nameless man said, “The king put a great bounty on your head. Give me your head and sword, and I will avenge your father on your behalf.” Chi cried, “What good fortune!”, then cut his own throat. 

Moved by the youth’s conviction, the nameless man kept his promise and went to the king with the head and sword. The man advised the king to cook Chi’s head, for it is a head of a courageous man. The king heeded his advice, but the head did not disintegrate even after three days of cooking. When the king went to look into the cauldron, the man cut the kings head so that it fell in with Chi’s head. The two heads battled within the cauldron. The nameless man then also cut his own head and joined the fight with the other two. 

In the end, all three heads within the cauldron were impossible to separate. The three heads were thus buried together in the “Grave of the Three Kings”.

The official character song for this couple by Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu, 《谓剑》, can be translated as "Of Swords", with one of the popular covers shown below.

The original video link: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1xZ4y137QB 

Echoes of History Biography: Jing Ke, Gao Jianli 荆轲、高渐离

Jing Ke and Gao Jianli 荆轲、高渐离

(Pre-Qin, Warring States period)

"Shrill winds rise, waters cold;

The hero shall go and never come home!"

I have written about their stories for past songs, "Farewell by Yi River", as well as "Ancestor of Dragons", so do check them out.

For "Farewell by Yi River", the English translation are available as subtitles for the cover below, with stylised character designs by Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu for the two historical figures.

Original video for their character song: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Cs411A7gd 

Echoes of History Biography: Qu Yuan 屈原

 Qu Yuan 屈原 

(Pre-Qin, Warring States period, c. 340 BC – 278 BC)

Image source: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%B1%88%E5%8E%9F/6109

Patriot and poet who died for his cause, a symbol of the idealistic statesman with noble ambitions. Born during the Warring States period, Qu Yuan was a man of exceptional talent with the political will to match. He harboured grand ambitions to build up his homeland, the Kingdom of Chu. He was also known to have held himself to a high moral standard and was compassionate to the people’s plight. His virtues won him the trust and support of the then King Huai of Chu (楚怀王) to push for a series of governmental reforms. However, his reforms evoked the ire and jealousy of his colleagues. They banded together to disparage and defame Qu Yuan before their king. This caused the king to first distant him, then dismissed him from his post and banished him from court altogether. While in exile, the court became increasingly corrupt as the kings heeded self-serving courtiers. Miscalculations after miscalculations finally led to the kingdom’s destruction. Devastated by the fall of his kingdom, despaired from the utter failure of his life’s mission, Qu Yuan completed his long form poem, “Li Sao” (translated as “The Lament” or “Encountering Sorrows”), then threw himself into the Miluo River, a tributary to the Xiang River.

Excerpts of his poem have been arranged into modern songs:

Link to this song with English translations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhLCaSgquXs Second song, from a different excerpt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa4txQTjOH4

In some records, it is said Qu Yuan met an old fisherman while trailing by the river. Upon learning about his predicament, the fisherman advised him with such words: “If the river water is clear, I can wash my hat in it. If the river water is murky, I can wash my feet in it.” But Qu Yuan could not accept compromising on his principles, so he chose instead to die for his cause. The Dragon Boat Festival (or Midyear festival, “Duanwu”), occurring around June every year, is set as a day of remembrance for Qu Yuan. It is also said that as a final gesture of appreciation, people threw rice dumplings (“zongzi”) into the river so that the fishes will eat those instead of Qu Yuan’s body, and made great commotion (e.g., rowing dragon boats) to drive the schools of fishes away.

Zongzi rice dumplings.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zongzi

Trivia: A guy dubbed “the most hardcore Qu Yuan cosplay in history” jumps into the river every year during the Dragon Boat Festival: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1y4411g7Uc/

Qu Yuan as a character in the game and music production, “Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu” (忘川风华录), roughly translated as “Records of Magnificience by the River of Oblivion”.

This image is the thumbnail for a fan-written song about Qu Yuan, “Song of the Old Fisherman”. Source: https://zh.moegirl.org.cn/zh-hk/%E6%B8%94%E7%88%B6%E5%90%9F

Echoes of History Biography: Jiang Ziya 姜子牙

Jiang Ziya / Jiang Shang / Jiang Taigong  姜子牙 / 姜尚 / 姜太公

(Pre-Qin, Zhou Dynasty, 1128 BC - 1015 BC)

A near mythical figure in the early ages of the Zhou dynasty, often considered one of the best and wisest royal advisors. 

One day, when a Lord Ji Chang (姬昌) read his fortune for a hunting trip, it was predicted that he would find no beast, but exceptional talent to support his ambitions. 

Therefore, he paid special attention when he saw an old man fishing by the Wei river. 

The man had a long fishing pole, but with a fish line that was noticeably short. The oddest thing was, the hook was not a hook, but straight as a needle, hovering above water without any bait. 

Source: https://www.sohu.com/a/590923230_121124722 

Lord Ji Chang recognised that this was no ordinary man, and so approached him. He was struck by the wisdom in the old man’s political ideology, based upon duty and obligations as rulers and consideration for the people. This especially roused Lord Ji Chang’s interest, given the decay of the reigning regime by the ruthless and corrupt King Zhou of Shang (商纣王). This old man was none other than Jiang Shang, or Ziya by his courtesy name. 

With great sincerity Lord Ji Chang invited the old man to be his advisor. This old man went on to lead victories after victories for his lord. In one decisive battle, he advised restraint for his lord’s army, for the Shang King’s army, having much pent up resentment for their ruler, would easily defect to their side. His predictions came true, and Lord Ji Chang became King Wen of Zhou (周文王), the founder of the Zhou dynasty. 

He was also granted the title of “Taigong Wang” (roughly translated as Great Lord). 

Trivia:

A common Chinese saying goes: “Jiang Taigong goes fishing - only the willing takes the bait” (姜太公钓鱼——愿者上钩). 

Jiang Ziya is also featured in the classical novel "Investiture of the Gods" (封神演义), a mixed historical-fantasy novel written around the 16th century, during the Ming dynasty. 

Jiang Ziya as a character in the game and music production by “Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu”. The official song 《归钓吟》is very crudely translated as “Song of the Returning Angler".

Original video : https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1eG4y1e76P

旷古回响 - Echoes of History: Footage attributions

*I used official translated titles where available, otherwise I either kept their pinyin or did my own translation. 

屈原：纪录片《鉴史问廉》

Qu Yuan: Documentary “Jian Shi Wen Lian” 

姜太公：1990年版《封神榜》

Jiang Taigong: 1990 TV series “Investiture of the Gods”

高渐离：电视剧《秦时明月》

荆轲：电视剧《秦时明月》

Gao Jianli, Jing Ke: TV series “The Legend of Qin”

干将：2006年版《搜神传》

莫邪：2006年版《搜神传》

Gan Jiang, Mo Ye: TV series “Legend of the Demigods”

勾践：2007年版《卧薪尝胆》

Goujian: 2007 TV series “The Great Revival”

夫差：综艺《典籍里的中国第二季》

Fuchai: Variety show “China in Classics” 2nd season

白起：《大秦帝国之崛起》

Bai Qi: TV series “The Qin Empire III”

李斯：纪录片《中国》

韩非：纪录片《中国》

Li Si, Han Fei: documentary “Zhong Guo” or ”Middle Kingdom”

嬴政：2007版《秦始皇》纪录片《从秦始皇到汉武帝》

Ying Zheng: 2007 TV series “Qin Shi Huang”, documentary “From Qin Shi Huang to Emperor Wu of Han” 

张良：电影《鸿门宴传奇》

韩信：电影《鸿门宴传奇》

刘邦：电影《鸿门宴传奇》

项羽：电影《鸿门宴传奇》

Zhang Liang, Han Xin, Liu Bang, Xiang Yu: 2011 movie “White Vengeance”

张骞：纪录片《河西走廊》

解忧公主：纪录片《河西走廊》

Zhang Qian, Princess Jieyou: Documentary “Hexi Corridor” 

王昭君：1987版《王昭君》

Wang Zhaojun: 1987 TV series “Wang Zhaojun”

霍去病：2005版《汉武大帝》

卫青：2005版《汉武大帝》

刘彻：2005版《汉武大帝》

Huo Qubing, Wei Qing, Liu Che: 2005 TV series “The Emperor in Han Dynasty” 

Interlude

王的盛宴 - 2012 movie "The Last Supper"

孙策：1994版《三国演义》

周瑜：1994版《三国演义》

赵云：1994版《三国演义》

Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, Zhao Yun: 1994 TV series “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”

阮籍：2003版《天龙八部》（cos）

Ruan Ji: 2003 TV series “Demi-gods and Semi-devils” (represented by another character)

嵇康：电影《东邪西毒》（cos）

Ji Kang: Movie “Ashes of Time” (represented by another character)

甄妃：电视剧《大军师司马懿之军师联盟》

Lady Zhen: TV series “The Advisor’s Alliance” 

曹植：1994版《三国演义》

曹丕：1994版《三国演义》

Cao Zhi, Cao Pi: 1994 TV series “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”

谢玄：电视剧《琅琊榜》（cos）

Xie Xuan: TV series “Nirvana in Fire” (represented by another character)

谢道韫：电影《天真派：红楼梦之桃花诗社》（cos）、2007版电视剧《梁山伯与祝英台》

Xie Daoyun: Movie “Tian Zhen Pai: Hong Lou Meng Zhi Taohua Shishe” (represented by another character), 2007 TV series “Butterfly Lovers” 

王羲之：2004版《凤求凰》（cos）

Wang Xishi: 2004 TV Series “Feng Qiu Huang” 

陶渊明：纪录片《千古风流人物》

Tao Yuanming: Documentary “Qian Gu Feng Liu Ren Wu” 

高长恭：2016版《兰陵王妃》

Gao Changgong: 2016 TV series “Princess of Lanling King”

花木兰：2020版电影《花木兰》

Hua Mulan: 2020 movie “Mulan”

平阳昭公主：2012版《穆桂英挂帅》（cos）

Princess Pingyang: 2012 TV series “Mu Guiying Takes Command” 

武曌：电视剧《神探狄仁杰》

Wu Zhao: TV series “Amazing Detective Di Renjie” 

李世民：电视剧《贞观之治》

魏征：电视剧《贞观之治》

Li Shimin, Wei Zheng: TV series “The Rise of the Tang Empire” 

狄仁杰：电视剧《神探狄仁杰》

Di Renjie: TV series “Amazing Detective Di Renjie” 

上官婉儿：1995版电视剧《武则天》

Shangguan Wan’er: 1995 TV series “Wu Zetian”

太平公主：《大明宫词》

Princess Taiping: TV series “Palace of Desire”

李隆基：纪录片《大明宫》

Li Longji: Documentary “Legend of the Tang Empire”

杨玉环：1993版电影《杨贵妃》

Yang Yuhuan: 1993 movie “Yang Guifei” 

公孙大娘：纪录片《中国》

Madam Gongsun: Documentary “Zhong Guo” or “Middle Kingdom”

红拂女：电视剧《天盛长歌》（cos）

Hongfu/Red Duster: TV series ”The Rise of Phoenixes” (represented by other characters)

鱼玄机：电影《大唐豪放女》

Yu Xuanji: Movie ”An Amorous Woman of Tang Dynasty” 

玄奘：1982版《西游记》

Xuanzang: 1982 TV series “Journey to the West”

袁天罡、李淳风：纪录片《中国》（cos）

Yuan Tianggang, Li Chunfeng: Documentary “Zhong Guo” or “Middle Kingdom” (represented by other character)

李白：1993版电视剧《唐明皇》

Li Bai: 1993 TV series ”Tang Ming Huang” 

杜甫：纪录片《中国》

Du Fu: Documentary “Zhong Guo” or “Middle Kingdom” 

元稹：《陆小凤传奇》（cos）

白居易：《陆小凤传奇》（cos）

Yuan Zhen, Bai Juyi: ”The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng” 

李煜：电视剧《灼灼风流》（cos）

Li Yu: TV series “The Legend of Zhuohua” (represented by another character)

大周后：1996版电视剧《情剑山河》

Empress Zhou the elder: 1996 version ”Qing Jian Shan He”

薛涛：《苍兰诀》（cos）

Xue Tao: TV series “Love between Fairy and Devil” (represented by another character)

苏轼：2012版电视剧《苏东坡》

Su Shi: 2012 TV series “Su Dongpo” 

陆游：纪录片《千古风流人物》

Lu You: Documentary “Qian Gu Feng Liu Ren Wu” 

李清照：1988版电视剧《李清照》

Li Qingzhao: 1988 TV series “Li Qingzhao” 

梁红玉：2013版《精忠岳飞》

Liang Hongyu: 2013 TV series “The Patriot Yue Fei” 

赵匡胤：2005《问君能有几多愁》

Zhao Kuangyin: 2005 TV series “How Much Sorrow Do You Have” 

王安石：电视剧《大宋宫词》（cos）

Wang Anshi: ”Palace of Devotion” (represented by another character)

佛印：电影《妖猫传》（cos）

Foyin: Movie “Legend of the Demon Cat” (represented by another character)

赵孟頫：综艺《斯文江南》

管道昇：综艺《斯文江南》

Zhao Mengfu, Guan Daosheng: Variety show “Si Wen Jiangnan” 

欧阳修：纪录片《千古风流人物》

Ouyang Xiu: Documentary “Qian Gu Feng Liu Ren Wu” 

王阳明：纪录片《王阳明》

Wang Yangming: Documentary “Wang Yangming” 

于谦：电视剧《大明风华》

Yu Qian: 2019 TV series “Ming dynasty” 

朱元璋：2008版《朱元璋》

马皇后：2008版《朱元璋》

Zhu Yuanzhang, Empress Ma: 2008 TV series “Zhu Yuanzhang”

郑和：2009版《郑和下西洋》（《大航海》）

Zheng He: 2009 TV series “The Great Voyage” or “Zheng He Xia Xiyang”

黄道婆：2010版《天涯织女》

Huang Daopo: 2010 TV series “A Weaver on the Horizon”

宋应星：综艺《典籍里的中国》

Song Yingxing: Variety show “China in Classics” 

祖冲之：镇江人才周宣传片

Zu Chongzhi: Zhenjiang talent week promotional video

王贞仪：综艺《国家宝藏》

Wang Zhenyi: Variety show “National Treasures” 

汤显祖：《云襄传》（cos）

Tang Xianzu: TV series “The Ingenious One” (represented by another character)

蒲松龄：《皇太子秘史》（cos）

Pu Songling: TV series ”Huang Taizi Mishi” (represented by another character) 

唐伯虎：2004版《聊斋之花姑子》（cos）

Tang Bohu: 2004 TV series ”Hua Gu Zi” (represented by another character) 

冯梦龙：2010版《新西厢记》（cos）

Feng Menglong: 2010 TV series ”Romance of the Western Chamber” (represented by another character)

司马光：《清平乐》

Sima Guang: TV series “Serenade of Peaceful Joy” 

班昭：综艺《典籍里的中国》

Ban Zhao: Variety show “China in Classics”

司马迁：纪录片《风追司马》、综艺《典籍里的中国》

Sima Qian: Documentary “Feng Zhui Sima”, variety show “China in Classics”

旷古回响 - Echoes of History: Masterlist of Biographies

This is the list of historical figures alluded to in the song "Echoes of History". I intend to write short biographies for them, but this is a huge undertaking and am not able to complete it just yet. Links to those for which the write-ups are completed and published will be included, and the rest are still work in progress. 

I can't promise that I can finish them all, but at least I figure I'll get as much out as possible. If not, feel free to do your own research by referring to this. Hope that helps!

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Historians

1. Sima Qian 司马迁 (145 BC- c. 86 BC) - author of the “Records of the Grand Historian”

2. Ban Zhao 班昭 (c.49 - c.120) - historian, educator, co-author of the “Book of Han” 

3. Sima Guang 司马光 (1019 - 1086) - historian, author of the “Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance”

[Pre-Qin - Qin dynasty]

1. Qu Yuan 屈原 (c. 340 BC - 278 BC) - statesman, patriot, poet

2. Jiang Ziya 姜子牙 (1128 BC - 1015 BC) - strategist, military general

3. Gao Jianli 高渐离 - musician, zither player 

4. Jing Ke 荆轲 (? - 227 BC) - assassin 

5. Gan Jiang, Mo Ye 干将、莫邪 - swordsmith couple

6. Gou Jian 勾践 (496 BC - 465 BC) - King of Yue 

7. Fu Chai 夫差 (495 BC - 473 BC) - King of Wu 

8. Bai Qi 白起 (332 BC - 257 BC) - military general 

9. Li Si 李斯 (280 BC - 208 BC) - prime minister to the first emperor

10. Han Feizi 韩非子 (c. 280 BC - 233 BC) - Legalist philosopher

11. Qin Shi Huang/Ying Zheng 秦始皇嬴政 (259 BC - 210 BC) - first emperor of China, founder of the Qin dynasty

[Chu-Han contention - Han dynasty]

12. Liu Bang 汉高祖刘邦 (256 BC - 195 BC) - Emperor Gaozu of Han, founder of the Han dynasty

13. Zhang Liang 张良 (c. 251 BC - 189 BC) - strategist, advisor

14. Han Xin 韩信 (231 BC - 196 BC) - military general, strategist

15. Xiang Yu 项羽 (232 BC - 202 BC) - Hegemon King of Chu 

16. Zhang Qian 张骞 (195 BC - 114 BC) - diplomat, explorer

17. Princess Jieyou 解忧公主 (120 BC - 49 BC) - marriage alliance with the Wusun 

18. Wang Zhaojun 王昭君 (c. 50 BC - 18 AD) - marriage alliance with the Xiongnu 

19. Liu Che 汉武帝刘彻 (156 BC - 87 BC) - Emperor Wu of Han

20. Wei Qing 卫青 (? - 106 BC) - military general

21. Huo Qubing 霍去病 (140 BC - 117 BC) - military general

[Three Kingdoms - Jin dynasty]

22. Sun Ce 孙策 (175 - 200) - military general, warlord

23. Zhou Yu 周瑜 (175 - 210) - military general, strategist

24. Zhao Yun 赵云 (? - 229) - military general 

25. Ji Kang 嵇康 (223 - 262) - zither player, musician, poet

26. Ruan Ji 阮籍 (210 - 263) - poet, writer, musician

27. Lady Zhen 甄夫人 (183 - 221) - Empress of the Cao Wei kingdom, believed to have inspired the image of the Luo River Goddess

28. Cao Zhi 曹植 (192 - 232) - Prince of Wei, poet, author of “Ode to the Luo River Goddess” 

29. Cao Pi 曹丕 (187 - 226) - Emperor Wen of Wei, first emperor of the Cao Wei kingdom

30. Xie Xuan 谢玄 (343 - 388) - Military general, politician

31. Xie Daoyun 谢道韫 (? - 409) - poet, writer, calligrapher

32. Wang Xizhi 王羲之 (303 - 361) - calligrapher, writer

[Jin dynasty - Tang dynasty]

33. Tao Yuanming 陶渊明 (365 - 427) - writer, poet, hermit, author of “The Accounts of the Peach Blossom Spring”

34. Gao Changgong 高长恭 (541 - 573) - Prince of Lanling

35. Hua Mulan 花木兰 - military general

36. Princess Pingyang 昭平阳公主 (598 - 623) - military general

[Tang dynasty]

37. Li Shimin 唐太宗李世民 (598 - 649) - Emperor Taizong of Tang 

38. Wu Zetian 武则天 (624 - 705) - the first and only woman emperor of China 

39. Wei Zheng 魏征 (580 - 643) - political advisor, historian

40. Di Renjie 狄仁杰 (630 - 700) - political advisor, judge

41. Shangguan Wan’er 上官婉儿 (664 - 710) - stateswoman, scribe

42. Princess Taiping 太平公主 (665 - 713) - stateswoman

43. Li Longji 唐玄宗李隆基 (685 - 762) - Emperor Xuanzong of Tang 

44. Yang Yuhuan 杨玉环 - Imperial consort 

45. Madam Gongsun 公孙大娘 - sword dancer

46. Hongfu / Red Duster 红拂 - maidservant, advisor

47. Yu Xuanji 鱼玄机 (844 - 877) - poet, courtesan 

48. Xuanzang 玄奘 (602 - 664) - monk, pilgrim, Buddhist scholar

49. Yuan Tiangang 袁天罡 (573 - 645) - astrologer, seer

50. Li Chunfeng 李淳风 (602 - 670) - astrologer, seer

[Tang dynasty - Song dynasty]

51. Li Bai 李白 (701 - 762) - Poet

52. Du Fu 杜甫 (712 - 770) - Poet

53. Yuan Zhen 元稹 (779 - 831) - Poet

54. Bai Juyi 白居易 (772 - 846) - Poet

55. Li Yu 南唐后主李煜 (937 - 978) - poet, last emperor of Southern Tang

56. Zhou Ehuang 大周后周娥皇 (936 - 965) - Empress Zhou the elder, first wife of Li Yu

57. Xue Tao 薛涛 (768 - 831) - Poet

58. Xin Qiji 辛弃疾 (1140 - 1207) - poet, military general, patriot

59. Su Shi 苏轼 (1037 - 1101) - poet, writer, statesman 

60. Lu You 陆游 (1125 - 1210) - poet, writer, patriot 

61. Li Qingzhao 李清照 (1084 - 1155) - Poet

[Song dynasty - Yuan dynasty]

62. Liang Hongyu 梁红玉 (1102 - 1135) - military general 

63. Zhao Kuangyin 赵太祖赵匡胤 (927 - 976) - Emperor Taizu of Song, founder of the Song dynasty

64. Wang Anshi 王安石 (1021 - 1086) - statesman, reformer, poet

65. Zhao Mengfu 赵孟頫 (1257 - 1322) - artist

66. Guan Daosheng 管道昇 (1262 - 1319) - calligrapher 

67. Foyin 佛印 (1032 - 1098) - monk, Zen master, storyteller

68. Ouyang Xiu 欧阳修 (1007 - 1072) - essayist, statesman, historian

*Zhang Bian 张昪 (992 - 1077) - Author of the Song dynasty poem “Grave of the Grand Historian Sima”

[Ming dynasty - Qing dynasty]

69. Wang Yangming 王阳明 (1472 - 1529) - philosopher, statesman

70. Yu Qian 于谦 (1398 - 1457) - patriot, military general, statesman

71. Zhu Yuanzhang 明太祖朱元璋 (1328 - 1398) - Emperor Taizu of Ming, founder of the Ming dynasty

72. Empress Ma 马皇后 (1332 - 1382) - Empress Xiaocigao, first empress of the Ming dynasty

73. Zheng He 郑和 (1371 - 1433) - admiral, explorer, diplomat

74. Song Yingxing 宋应星 (1587 - 1666) - scientist, author of the encyclopedia “The Exploitation of the Works of Nature”

75. Wang Zhenyi 王贞仪 (1768 - 1797) - astronomer, mathematician

76. Zu Chongzhi 祖冲之 (429 - 500) - astronomer, mathematician

77. Huang Daopo 黄道婆 (1245 - 1330) - textile innovator

78. Tang Xianzu 汤显祖 (1550 - 1616) - playwright

79. Pu Songling 蒲松龄 (1640 - 1715) - writer, author of “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio“

80. Feng Menglong 冯梦龙 (1574 - 1646) - novelist, historian

81. Tang Bohu 唐伯虎 (1470 - 1524) - artist, calligrapher

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