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The following is the Book 4 summary from my forthcoming series of graphic novels, Swords Of The Assassins (working title). - JF Koh
Yu Rang (豫让) was a would-be assassin who lived and died in ancient China. The story of Yu Rang is recorded in the chapter "Biographies Of The Assassins" of the Shi Ji, the famous book by Sima Qian, an imperial historian who lived more than 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty of ancient China.
In the Warring States Period (476-221 BCE), Yu Rang served as a steward to Earl Zhi Yao of the Jin state. Earl Zhi Yao was an avaricious and scheming man, but he treated Yu Rang very well.
At the time, the Duke of the Jin state had already been reduced to a puppet ruler, and the state of Jin was practically controlled by four powerful families. Earl Zhi Yao's family was the most powerful one. The other three were the families of Zhao, Han and Wei. Earl Zhi Yao plotted to eliminate them in order to gobble up their land and power. After a long power struggle with the other three families, Earl Zhi Yao's plan backfired, and he was killed by Viscount Zhao Wuxu of the Zhao family in 453 BCE.
Earl Zhi Yao and Zhao Wuxu had been mortal enemies. After Earl Zhi Yao was killed, Zhao Wuxu used his late enemy's skull as a drinking vessel.
Yu Rang tried to avenge his master's death by assassinating Zhao Wuxu. Not being a skilled swordsman, Yu Rang had to figure out a way to get close to Zhao Wuxu. Twice, he disguised his appearance by progressively disfiguring and crippling himself. Twice, he was caught before he could kill Zhao Wuxu.
Yu Rang explained that it was his duty to avenge his late master, even though he had nothing to gain from it and everything to lose. Zhao Wuxu admired Yu Rang's loyalty and took pity on him. The first time, Zhao Wuxu let him off with a stern warning. On the second attempt, Zhao Wuxu could not pardon Yu Rang any more. As a final request, Yu Rang asked for Zhao Wuxu's coat, in order to stab it in a symbolic act of revenge. Yu Rang's wish was granted, after which he committed suicide.
After his death, Yu Rang's story was circulated throughout the land, and people were touched by his loyalty.
About 40 years later, the incident involving Nie Zheng (聂政) became known in the Han state.
© 2007 Koh Chuen Ferng