The following is the Book 4 summary from my forthcoming series of graphic
novels, Swords Of The Assassins (working title).
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
