Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Qu Yuan (屈平, Khuất Bình) was a prominent statesman and poet of the State of Chu during the Warring States period of ancient China. He is traditionally regarded as the first major author of Chinese verse and is celebrated for his deep patriotism and loyalty to his state. Qu Yuan served as a high-ranking official under King Huai of Chu (楚怀王, Sở Hoài Vương), where he advocated for an alliance with the State of Qi (齐国, Tề quốc) to resist the rising power of the State of Qin (秦国, Tần quốc).
His political career was marked by conflict with rival courtiers, most notably the corrupt official Jin Shang (靳尚, Cận Thượng) and the jealous Zilan (子兰, Tử Lan), the son of King Huai. Due to their slanders, Qu Yuan was twice sent into exile. During his second exile, he traveled through the countryside, collecting legends and composing profound literary works. His masterpieces include Li Sao (The Sorrow of Parting), which expresses his despair over the decline of Chu and his unwavering devotion to the King, despite his mistreatment. Upon learning that the Qin general Bai Qi (白起, Bạch Khởi) had captured the Chu capital of Ying (郢, Dĩnh), Qu Yuan plunged into the Miluo River in grief. His death is commemorated annually during the Dragon Boat Festival, where people race boats and throw zongzi into the water to honor his memory.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Qu Yuan does not appear as a character in the narrative of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is frequently cited by various scholars and officials in the novel as the ultimate archetype of the loyal minister and tragic intellectual who suffers for the sake of the state.
Qu Yuan — Historical & Literary Timeline
340 BC
Birth
Born in the state of Chu into the royal family line.
313 BC
Diplomatic Crisis
Opposed the treacherous diplomat Zhang Yi (张仪, Trương Nghi) of Qin, who attempted to trick King Huai into breaking his alliance with Qi.
278 BC
Death
Upon hearing that the Chu capital had fallen to the Qin army, he drowned himself in the Miluo River.
Key Relationships
- Chu Royalty
- King Huai of Chu (楚怀王, Sở Hoài Vương): His sovereign to whom he remained loyal despite repeated banishment and humiliation by court rivals.
- Political Rivals
- Jin Shang (靳尚, Cận Thượng): A corrupt official who accepted bribes from Qin to isolate Qu Yuan from the King.
- Zilan (子兰, Tử Lan): The King’s son who actively conspired against Qu Yuan, leading to his final exile.
- Historical Counterparts
- Bai Qi (白起, Bạch Khởi): The Qin general whose military campaign against Chu directly precipitated the events leading to Qu Yuan’s suicide.