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墨書 Inktalez
She is the most mysterious woman in history and a symbol of loyal love in the hearts of the Chinese people.
Her phrase, "When the king's spirit is exhausted, what hope is there for this lowly maid?" is the most sincere declaration of love, praised for a thousand years in operas.
Although historical records mention her only briefly, she created an eternal love story with a sword; she is Yu Ji from "Farewell My Concubine."
Why is "Farewell My Concubine" referred to as an eternal masterpiece? What touching story does it tell?
Those who have played Honor of Kings surely know Yu Ji, as she is a marksman with incredible damage and burst potential in the game.
In the background story of the characters in Honor of Kings, her greatest significance lies in becoming the weakness that defeats the "Demon King," who is Xiang Yu. Her entire fate is predetermined by the games played by others.
Her skills, "Rise of the Chu Song," "Great Wind Comes," and "Battlefield Dance," seem to narrate the decisive Battle of Gaixia, and her historical prototype is Yu Ji.
So what was the historical Yu Ji really like?
There is a saying that among thousands of emperors, there was only one Overlord, referring to Xiang Yu.
Xiang Yu's life was filled with legends, giving rise to many idioms such as "strength to lift a cauldron," "breaking pots and sinking boats," "Farewell My Concubine," and "surrounded by enemies."
Among these four idioms, three out of four relate to Xiang Yu and the most important woman in his life, Yu Ji. The mystery surrounding Yu Ji transcends her beauty; why is that?
It is said that both the Xiang family and the Yu family were originally noble families from Chu. The Yu family was well-off and received a good education from a young age. Yu Ji was not only beautiful but also very talented, especially skilled in sword dancing; those who saw her wielding twin swords would be mesmerized.
Unfortunately, their beautiful lives changed with the rise of Qin Shi Huang.
After Qin Shi Huang conquered Chu, both families moved to what is now Suqian City in Jiangsu Province to escape the chaos of war. Because both families had a harmonious relationship and Yu Ji and Xiang Yu were close in age, Xiang Yu often visited Yu Ji's home for fun. They would spar or share meals together, making them childhood friends with innocent affection.
As days passed, Yu Ji grew into a stunning beauty.
Many young talents and noble sons hoped to win Yu Ji's favor, but their wishes were all in vain, as they stood no chance against the most dazzling hero of that time, Xiang Yu. Ultimately, all suitors were defeated by their childhood bond.
In the end, Xiang Yu and Yu Ji became a couple.
However, just as they began to enjoy their peaceful life together, Qin Shi Huang passed away, and Qin Ershi Hu Hai ascended to the throne.
Due to the brutality of Qin Ershi, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang raised their banners in rebellion, and many heroes across the land joined the anti-Qin alliance. Xiang Yu, who had long carried the hatred of his country and family, also took up the banner of righteousness alongside his uncle Xiang Liang, leading 8,000 young soldiers.
Although Xiang Yu was busy with war, constantly fighting day and night, he never neglected Yu Ji and always kept her by his side.
Yu Ji, as a woman, was also very brave; wherever Xiang Yu went to battle, she followed. When Xiang Yu won victories, she cheered for him and danced with her sword in celebration.
When Xiang Yu faced setbacks, she comforted him with the words, "Victory and defeat are common in warfare." Sometimes, she even donned armor and rode alongside him into battle.
With Yu Ji as a powerful spiritual support, Xiang Yu fought more valiantly without worries behind him. Ultimately, he overthrew the Qin Dynasty and earned the title of Western Chu Overlord.
However, after achieving success and fame, Xiang Yu did not forget Yu Ji. Upon entering Xianyang, he dismissed all the beautiful women from Epang Palace to prove that among the vast waters, he cherished only Yu Ji.
After the fall of the Qin Dynasty, Xiang Yu and Liu Bang began a four-year struggle for supremacy known as the Chu-Han War.
At first, the Chu army won consecutive victories; Liu Bang could not compete with Xiang Yu at all. However, in the fourth year of their conflict, a man changed the course of history—Han Xin.
The generals of Xiang Yu and Liu Bang engaged in fierce battles at Gaixia, leading to the famous Battle of Gaixia.
This battle resulted in Xiang Yu being trapped.
To further undermine the morale of the Chu army, Liu Bang ordered his soldiers to sing Chu songs throughout the night. In an instant, chaos ensued among the Chu troops; they lost their fighting spirit, believing that the Han army had conquered all of Chu's lands and began to flee.
The Western Chu Overlord Xiang Yu realized he had no hope of turning things around and fell into despair as he drank alone.
Seeing Yu Ji by his side filled him with sadness.
The Western Chu Overlord had laughed heartily throughout his life and emerged from over seventy battles unscathed; naturally, he had long since disregarded life and death. Yet he still had someone he cared for deeply—Yu Ji.
Thus, this once-glorious Western Chu Overlord was overwhelmed with sorrow and sang: "With strength to lift mountains and a spirit that covers the world; when times are unfavorable, my steed does not run. If my steed does not run, what can I do? Oh Yu! Oh Yu! What can I do?"
Yu Ji looked at this man she loved dearly who had walked with her through thick and thin; never had she seen him so sorrowful. She wept uncontrollably, drew her sword to dance, and sang in harmony with him:
"The Han soldiers have taken our land; from all directions come the songs of Chu. My lord's spirit is exhausted; what hope is there for your humble servant?"
After singing this song, Yu Ji's life came to an end as she took her own life with her sword.
She severed Xiang Yu's last attachment with her own life, allowing him to have no more worries and to break through with all his strength, leaving behind the poignant legend of the "Farewell My Concubine" for future generations.
Afterward, Xiang Yu indeed had no more concerns and successfully broke through.
However, Yu Ji did not expect that when Xiang Yu reached the Wu River and faced the choice of crossing the river, he felt he could not face the elders of Jiangdong without words and could not let down Yu Ji. Thus, he took his sword and ended his life in the same manner.
It is said that later, at the place stained with Yu Ji's blood, a rare type of swallowtail flower grew, and it could dance even without wind.
In memory of this beautiful and passionate woman with a gentle yet heroic spirit, people named this unknown flower after Yu Ji.
Most of the above story is recorded in historical texts or folk legends, while actual historical records only mention one line: "There was a beauty named Yu, who often accompanied him."
Even Yu Ji's real name remains a mystery because records only suggest that "Yu" is the surname of the beauty, and "Ji" is an ancient term of endearment for women. Hence, later generations referred to her as Yu Ji.
In fact, we can only ascertain that Yu Ji's name is related to the character "Yu," and even the song she sang, "The Song of Gaixia," is controversial and awaits further evidence for confirmation. This adds to the mystery surrounding Yu Ji that continues to intrigue people.
But no matter what, one thing is certain.
Yu Ji was Xiang Yu's only true love throughout his life. She was the woman who accompanied him until the end, still loving, admiring, and supporting him. She brought a softer and more human side to such a fierce man as Xiang Yu, giving him a quality that other kings did not possess.
Yu Ji illuminated Xiang Yu's humanity. I celebrate their beautiful love and wish them happiness in a parallel world!
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