Zhao's Greatest Diplomat
A Zhao diplomat who humiliated the mighty Qin twice — then ceded all honor to his rival Lian Po, saving his state.
Minor Zhao official sent as envoy to Qin with the Heshuibi jade disc. King Qin demanded it for fifteen cities. Lin Xiangru feigned destroying it at Gong River, securing its return to Zhao. Made a high minister. At Warrants of the Marsh faced down Lian Po. He yielded all credit to Lian Po for court unity. Lian Po asked Lin Xiangru to be his elder brother. Their mutual respect became legendary in Chinese history.