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In the vast expanse of Chinese history, tales of beauty and power often intertwine to shape the fates of dynasties and empires. Among these stories, none are as enchanting and influential as those of the Four Great Beauties: Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan, and Yang Guifei. These legendary women were not only renowned for their unparalleled beauty but also for the significant roles they played in the political and social upheavals of their times. Their lives, filled with romance, intrigue, and sacrifice, have left a lasting legacy in Chinese culture, symbolizing the complex interplay between personal allure and historical destiny.
Xi Shi: The Beauty that Made Fish Sink
The Maiden from Yue
Xi Shi, whose real name was Shi Yiguang, was born in Zhuluo Village in the Yue State during the late Spring and Autumn period (circa 7th to 5th centuries BCE). From a young age, she was famed for her beauty, a trait so striking that it is said even the fish would forget to swim and sink to the bottom of the river when they saw her reflection.
Xi Shi’s story is set against a backdrop of conflict and cunning political strategies. During her lifetime, the Yue State was subjugated by the more powerful Wu State. King Goujian of Yue, captured and humiliated by Wu, vowed revenge. As part of his elaborate plan to regain dominance, he decided to use Xi Shi’s beauty as a weapon.
Beauty as a Weapon
King Goujian’s strategy was to exploit King Fuchai’s weakness for beauty. He groomed Xi Shi to be an irresistible allure, trained in the arts of seduction and elegance. Xi Shi was sent to the Wu court as a tribute, ostensibly as a gesture of goodwill but with the covert aim of distracting and destabilizing the Wu ruler.
Xi Shi succeeded beyond Goujian’s wildest dreams. King Fuchai became utterly captivated by her, spending extravagant amounts of time and resources to keep her happy. This infatuation caused him to neglect his kingdom’s affairs, weakening his governance and leading to internal strife. Meanwhile, King Goujian secretly rebuilt his strength, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The Fall of Wu and Xi Shi’s Mysterious End
Eventually, the neglect of King Fuchai culminated in the collapse of the Wu State, allowing Yue to reclaim its former power and prestige. Xi Shi’s role in this victory is celebrated as a patriotic act, making her a national heroine.
The end of Xi Shi’s story, however, is cloaked in mystery and speculation. Some accounts suggest she retired peacefully with Fan Li, a Yue statesman who orchestrated her training. Others propose a darker conclusion, where she was drowned by loyalists of the Wu court to prevent her from being used again in political machinations. Regardless of the true ending, Xi Shi’s legacy as the «sinking fish» endures, embodying both the peril and power of beauty.
Wang Zhaojun: The Beauty that Made Geese Fall
From Humble Beginnings to Royal Splendor
Wang Zhaojun, originally named Wang Qiang, was born into a modest family in Zigui (present-day Hubei Province). Her path to becoming a legendary figure began when she was selected to serve as a palace maid during the reign of Emperor Yuan of the Han Dynasty. Despite her extraordinary beauty, Wang Zhaojun was overlooked in the emperor’s harem due to her refusal to bribe the court painters who portrayed her in an unflattering light.
A Diplomatic Bride
Wang Zhaojun’s fate took a dramatic turn when the Hun’s leader Huhanye Chanyu visited the Han court seeking a bride to solidify peace between his people and the Han Dynasty. The Han court, seeking to placate the powerful Hun, chose Wang Zhaojun. As she journeyed to the Xiongnu territory, her stunning beauty became apparent, and legend has it that even the wild geese flying overhead were so entranced by her presence that they fell from the sky.
Bridging Cultures
Wang Zhaojun’s marriage to Huhanye is hailed as a turning point in Han-Hun relations. Her union not only brought a period of peace but also fostered cultural exchanges between the Han Chinese and the nomadic Hun. She embraced her new life, raised children, and became a beloved figure among the Hun people.
Her story emphasizes the role of personal sacrifice for the greater good, illustrating how one individual’s grace and resilience can foster harmony between different cultures. Wang Zhaojun’s legacy continues to resonate as a symbol of peace and mutual understanding.
Diaochan: The Beauty that Eclipsed the Moon
The Enigmatic Beauty
Diaochan’s origins are enveloped in mystery and myth, making her the most enigmatic of the Four Beauties. She is believed to have been born in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and raised by Wang Yun, a loyal court official. Diaochan’s beauty was said to be so ethereal that even the moon felt overshadowed and would hide behind clouds in her presence—giving rise to the phrase «eclipsing the moon.»
A Heroine of Intrigue
During Diaochan’s time, China was gripped by the tyranny of Dong Zhuo, a ruthless warlord who had seized control of the Han government. Wang Yun, seeking to end Dong Zhuo’s reign of terror, devised a bold scheme involving Diaochan’s unmatched beauty. He intended to use her to drive a wedge between Dong Zhuo and his fiercely loyal general, Lü Bu.
Diaochan played her part with unparalleled skill and bravery. She first ensnared Lü Bu’s heart, captivating him with her beauty and grace. Then, she turned Dong Zhuo’s head, making him her lover and igniting a fierce rivalry between the two men. The tension escalated to the point where Lü Bu, driven by both jealousy and a sense of betrayal, killed Dong Zhuo.
A Legacy of Courage and Cunning
Diaochan’s story, immortalized in the classic novel the Three Kingdoms, portrays her not just as a passive beauty but as a central figure in a grand political drama. Her actions, fueled by courage and intelligence, played a crucial role in the power struggles of her time, leading to the restoration of order in the Han court.
Diaochan remains a fascinating figure in Chinese folklore, embodying the delicate balance between beauty, intelligence, and the complex roles women could play in the often brutal world of ancient Chinese politics.
Yang Guifei: The Beauty that Shamed Flowers
The Rise to Favor
Yang Guifei, born Yang Yuhuan, came into the world in 719 AD in Yongle (modern-day Shanxi Province). Her talent for music and dance, combined with her breathtaking beauty, quickly drew her into the inner circle of the Tang Dynasty court. Initially married to a prince, she caught the eye of Emperor Xuanzong, who became deeply enamored with her.
The Tang Dynasty’s Golden and Dark Days
Yang Guifei’s influence over Emperor Xuanzong was immense. Her presence marked the beginning of the Tang Dynasty’s most luxurious and culturally prosperous period, often referred to as the «High Tang» era. However, her ascendancy also led to the emperor’s increasing neglect of state affairs as he lavished unprecedented attention and wealth upon her and her family.
This unchecked favoritism contributed to widespread discontent and set the stage for the An Lushan Rebellion in 755 AD. As the rebellion raged, Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei were forced to flee the capital. Amid the turmoil, the emperor’s troops, blaming her for their plight, demanded her execution. At Mawei Inn, Yang Guifei met her tragic end, a sacrifice to appease the anger of the soldiers and the chaos engulfing the empire.
The Legend of the «Shaming Flowers»
Yang Guifei’s beauty was so legendary that flowers, in comparison, were said to be put to shame, coining the term «shaming flowers.» Her story has inspired countless artistic and literary works, reflecting the themes of love, power, and the dangers of excessive indulgence. She symbolizes both the heights of romance and the depths of tragedy, a poignant reminder of the transient nature of beauty and power.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The stories of the Four Great Beauties extend far beyond mere tales of physical allure. They encapsulate the rich tapestry of Chinese history, culture, and values. Each beauty’s legend is steeped in themes of personal sacrifice, political intrigue, and the enduring tension between individual desires and national interests.
The Enduring Influence
The Four Beauties have left an indelible mark on Chinese cultural consciousness. Their tales are taught in schools, celebrated in art and literature, and serve as timeless subjects in Chinese opera and contemporary media. They represent the ideal of beauty intertwined with virtue and intellect, offering profound insights into the human condition and the dynamics of power and love.
Lessons from the Legends
Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan, and Yang Guifei—each represents a unique facet of the complex relationship between beauty and history. Xi Shi teaches us about the strategic use of personal allure in the service of one’s country. Wang Zhaojun exemplifies how individual sacrifice can foster peace and understanding across cultures. Diaochan illustrates the power of intelligence and bravery in the face of tyranny. Yang Guifei’s tale serves as a cautionary story about the dangers of excess and the fleeting nature of power.
Conclusion
The Four Great Beauties of China remain iconic figures, their lives and legends weaving through the fabric of Chinese history like golden threads. Their stories, rich in romance, sacrifice, and drama, continue to captivate and inspire. They remind us of the profound impact that individual lives can have on the course of history, and the enduring power of beauty to shape destinies. As symbols of grace, resilience, and wisdom, the Four Beauties offer timeless reflections on the complexities of human nature and the eternal interplay between love and power.
