Archive for category Unsolved Mystery
The Wordless Tablet
Posted by sharon in Unsolved Mystery on August 5th, 2009
Wu Zetian, as the only female Emperor in Chinese history, died in 705 A.D at the age of 82. She was buried alongside Emperor Gaozong in the Qianling Mausoleum, located in the Liangshan Mountain in Qianxian Country.
It is the only mausoleum that holds two emperors and due to its strong and secure construction, it is also notable as the only mausoleum to escape the unwelcome attention of tomb robbers.
However, Wu’s Wordless Tablet makes it more mystical. As it known to all, emperors liked erecting tablets with articles to eulogize their achievements. The inscription on the tablet of Emperor Gaozong contains over 8,000 words, singing the praises of Gao Zong’s political achievements and military exploits. However, dedicated to Wu, it had no carved characters when it was erected. Why did she set up an empty tablet for herself?
Some people believed that Wu wanted the later generations to give her a just and fair appraisal. Some said that her achievements were beyond the description of any high-sounding words. Some others thought that it was probably set up by her son Emperor Zhong Zong, who was dissatisfied with her arbitrary decisions and peremptory actions and unwilling to flatter her. But as a son of hers, it was inappropriate for him to reproach her. So he set up the Wordless Tablet to let people of later generations appraise her. The real reason for the tablet is still a mystery. Anyhow, she was the only emperor in Chinese history had a tablet with no word.
He Shi Bi
Posted by sharon in Unsolved Mystery on July 11th, 2009
He Shi Bi, was perhaps the most legendary and valuable piece of jade in Chinese history.
According to legends, it was discovered by a man called Bian He about 2,680 years ago. When he was cutting firewood on Mount Jing, he found an uncut jade stone and presented it to King Li of Chu and the later to his successor King Wu of Chu. However, he was called a cheat and had both his legs chopped off. Finally, King Wen of Chu came to the throne, moved by Bian he, the King sent his men to cut open the stone. To their astonishment, there was indeed a priceless piece of jade inside. It was made into a jade disc later and was named in honor of its discoverer (He Shi Bi literally means ‘The Jade Disc of He’).
Unfortunately, the treasure was later stolen from Chu and finally sold to Zhao. In 283 BC, ambitious King Zhaoxiang of Qin offered to trade 15 towns and their land for the precious jade (the origin of the Chinese saying of valued in multiple cities). However, when the minister of Zhao found out that the King refused to give up his land, he finally bring back the jade safely with the excuse of pointing out the flaws.
In 221 BC, Qin conquered the other six states and the jade finally came into Qin possession. Under the order of Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China, it was made into his Imperial Seal and had the seal inscribed with the words The Mandate is received from Heaven, May He have Longevity and Prosperity.
However, after passing through several successive dynasties, it was lost to history. No one knows how it was lost. There is no trace for it but only imagination left.
Wooden Bird
Posted by sharon in Unsolved Mystery on April 11th, 2009
Wooden Bird, which was made by Lu Pan (the most famous carpenter in ancient China) more than two thousand years ago, was the earliest manned aircraft in Chinese history. It had also been suggested to be a proto-kite.
According to relevant records, Wooden Bird, the non-powered flying machine, could stay in the air for three days. It could be easily start by three beats.
Unfortunately, the wooden bird disappeared with the death of Lu. Only kite was passed down from generation to generation.
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