“Artifacts Speak” - The Story Behind the Zeng Hou Yi Bianzhong Bells
Release time:
2021-09-14
The Zeng Houyu bronze chime bells have arrived at the Helu City Ruins Museum. Standing at 112.6 centimeters tall, with a waist circumference of 49.2 centimeters and weighing 298 jin (approximately 198.6 pounds), this ancient chime bell is absolutely breathtaking. The inscriptions on the bell recount a magnificent historical episode, recreating the scene of King Helu of Wu's struggle for dominance during the Spring and Autumn period. Observe it carefully, listen attentively, and you'll understand the story the chime bells wish to tell you.
During the late Spring and Autumn period, Wu and Chu engaged in continuous warfare. Under the guidance of Wu Zixu and Sun Wu, King Helu of Wu implemented a policy of diligent governance, strengthening the nation's military and economic power. He finally launched a decisive battle in 506 BC. Historical records state that in 506 BC, King Helu of Wu, in alliance with Cai and Tang, launched a powerful offensive against the Chu army. They decisively defeated the Chu army at Boju, achieving five consecutive victories, and capturing the Chu capital Ying. King Zhao of Chu fled in panic, first escaping to "Yunzhong" (present-day Jingmen area), and then to Yun land, accompanied by the Duke of Yun to Sui (Zeng) state. As soon as King Zhao arrived in Sui (Zeng) state, King Helu of Wu personally led his troops in pursuit. King Helu promised the ruler of Sui state vast lands north of the Han River. However, the people of Sui, upholding the Sui-Chu alliance, persuaded King Helu to withdraw his troops. King Zhao of Chu, grateful for Sui's life-saving grace, swore an alliance with Sui (Zeng) state, pledging eternal friendship. This campaign caused a sensation throughout the Central Plains. However, this great battle that established King Helu's hegemony gradually faded into historical dust. Coincidentally, in 2009, a set of bronze chime bells belonging to Zeng Houyu was unearthed at the Yidi Gang cemetery in Suizhou, Hubei. While some pieces were missing, one enormous chime bell was exceptionally well-preserved. Judging by the inscriptions, this bell was cast in 497 BC. The more than 160 characters inscribed on the bell, after being deciphered, primarily detail the events of Wu's conquest of Chu and the capture of Ying, including Zeng Hou's protection of King Zhao. It provides the most original record of this historically significant event. From the inscriptions, one can easily imagine the route taken by the allied forces of Wu, Cai, and Tang, and the scene of King Zhao's panicked flight to Zeng state. Even after more than 2500 years, one can still read the record of these events on a bronze artifact, a testament to the wonder of fate.
Today, the Zeng Houyu bronze chime bells, having traveled a long distance, are displayed at the Helu City Ruins Museum in Wuxi. The enormous chime bell, gleaming with the brilliance of bronze, stands in the Helu Heroic Spirit exhibition hall, silently narrating the story of the past. After thousands of years, only this remains to tell the tale of governance and military prowess.
I wasn't there then, but I can understand the inscriptions, what about you?
(Written on the occasion of the 10th Cultural Heritage Day)
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