Throughout Chinese history, there have been many beautiful women, including Xi Shi. Not only were they beautiful people, but legendary figures who loved their kingdom, had good character, and many great talents.
Let’s unfold the historical picture scroll to discover an ancient tale that has been passed down through the ages: the story of the beautiful and wise woman Xi Shi.
Her beauty was more than skin-deep
Known as one of the renowned ‘four beauties’ of ancient China, Xi Shi’s stunning looks were immortalized in the words of the poet Bai Juyi, who said: “Xi Shi is the only one in the world, and as beautiful as the peony.” Bai Juyi praised the beauty of Xi Shi, equating it to that of the peony flower in his now-famous poem, demonstrating her fame as a great beauty. However, what really made Xi Shi’s reputation glorious was not just her beauty — it was her loyal and righteous character, and her act of sacrificing herself and bearing great humiliation to save the kingdom.
Xi Shi was born 2,500 years ago during the end of the Spring and Autumn Period. Born to ordinary parents in the Zhu Luo foothills in the ancient State of Yue, Xi Shi grew up in the small village of Xi. One of just two villages in the Zhu Luo foothills, Xi’s inhabitants were mostly surnamed Shi. As young Xi Shi grew, her natural beauty became known well beyond her village — it became known far and wide throughout the land.
Imitated by others
There’s a well-known Chinese idiom that came about because of others trying to imitate Xi Shi, which is “Dong Shi xiao ying,” which literally means “Dong Shi imitates.”
As the story goes, there was another girl in the village with the surname Shi, named Dong Shi. Dong Shi’s appearance was not good-looking, so she thought that imitating Xi Shi would make her more attractive to others. Even when Xi Shi placed her hand over her chest and frowned due to heartache, Dong Shi imitated her. But the frown made Dong Shi’s appearance even uglier. That is why people use this idiom to laugh at those who blindly copy others’ behavior without thinking about what the results might be.
This idiom, “Dong Shi xiao ying,” means that following others blindly is worse than being yourself and that copying others could result in you becoming a laughing stock due to your own ignorance. Thus, the ancient idiom warns that you should not blindly imitate others, but rather must have knowledge, kindness, self-confidence, and your own beautiful characteristics.
Bearing humiliation with grace
As time went on, the states of Wu and Yue went to war, and in the year 484 B.C., the state of Yue was defeated. King Goujian of Yue was forced to surrender to King Fuchai of Wu, and the defeated king was taken to the state of Wu, where he was kept as a hostage for three years. Yue later became a tributary state of Wu. But the subjects of Yue were determined to restore their kingdom and bring it back to its former prosperity; hence, they secretly planned revenge against Wu.
At this critical time in history, the beauty of Xi Shi was discovered. As part of a plan to bring down the state of Wu, she was selected to be offered to King Fuchai. Xi Shi resolutely accepted this historical mission, and she worked hard to learn court etiquette, singing, and dancing. After more than three years of training, Xi Shi had transformed herself from a simple village girl into a qualified palace maid, one with well-trained movements, manners, and the voice of an angel.
Inside the wood-paneled halls of the palace, Xi Shi danced enchantingly. Clad in wooden clogs and bell-laden skirts that chimed with her every move, her fluttering skirts, lovely singing, and tapping clogs captivated everyone present — including King Fuchai. In fact, the king became so enthralled with singing, dancing, and having a good time with Xi Shi that he forgot all about state affairs and his royal duties. As a result, the strength of Wu dwindled.
Xi Shi sacrificed herself and endured many humiliations in order to serve the kingdom of Yue. During her time at the palace, she never forgot her mission, nor did she indulge in enjoying the glory and wealth of the court while waiting for the comeback of the state of Yue.
Her sacrifice pays off
In 482 B.C., the states of Wu and Yue fought once again. This time, the State of Yue defeated the State of Wu. Xi Shi made great contributions to restoring the state of Yue and the rule of King Goujian, thus a history full of great legends was born.
Xi Shi was only an ordinary girl from a small village south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, but she was destined for something great. Not only was she a great beauty, but she was also kind, intelligent, and selfless, with a brave heart and a responsible spirit.
Xi Shi was pushed onto the stage of history by the wars between the states of Wu and Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. At this critical juncture of the rise and fall of the kingdom, she sacrificed herself, risking danger to undertake the important mission of saving the kingdom.
According to descriptions in Chinese literature, Xi Shi’s beauty was not only naturally alluring, but perfect in every way, with a delicate, fairy-like appearance. It was her exquisite beauty, along with her patriotism, righteous actions, and willingness to endure hardship and humiliation, that helped her achieve ancient fame, and she remains a household name even today.
Translated by Chua BC
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