in the Zhao State. In the 16th year under the reign of King Huiwen of his state,
he was promoted to marshal after seizing Yangjin in a successful attack on the
Qi State. Since then, he had been famous for his bravery among the states.
Lin Xiangru, one of Lians countrymen, was a
hanger-on of the head eunuch Miao Xian.
One day, King Huiwen got the jade piece from
the Chu State which Bian He had found before. Hearing about it, King Zhao of
the Qin State sent a letter to King Huiwen, in which he expressed the intention
to exchange his fifteen cities for the jade. King Huiwen talked it over with
General Lian Po and his ministers. On the one hand, they were afraid to be
cheated if the Qin broke its promise after receiving the jade. On the other
hand, they feared that the Qin would use force in case they should turn it down. A deadlock
resulted. And no envoy had been found to the Qin for an answer.
