Shen Baoxu申包胥

History vs. fiction

Regarding Shen Baoxu's journey to Qin to request troops, the Records of the Grand Historian records that he stood in the Qin court weeping for seven days and seven nights, while the Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms further adds details such as his abstaining from water and gruel, and Duke Ai of Qin sighing, shedding tears, and composing the poem 'No Clothes', enriching the emotional narrative of the historical event.

• based on factWhat were the circumstances of Shen Baoxu's journey to Qin to request troops?

  The Records of the Grand Historian, Biography of Wu Zixu, records that Shen Baoxu, failing to get Qin's help, 'wept day and night, for seven days and seven nights without stopping his voice', whereupon Duke Ai of Qin sent troops to rescue Chu. However, the Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms, chapter 77, adds more literary embellishments, such as his hardships in traveling and Duke Ai of Qin being moved by his loyalty and composing a poem: 'Thereupon, Baoxu, without removing his cap and robes, stood in the midst of the Qin court, weeping day and night without stopping his voice. Thus for seven days and seven nights, not a drop of water or gruel entered his mouth. Duke Ai, hearing this, was greatly startled and said: "Is a Chu minister's devotion to his lord to such an extent? Chu has such a worthy minister, and Wu still wants to destroy it; if I lack such a worthy minister, how can Wu tolerate me?" Thereupon he shed tears and composed the poem 'No Clothes' to honor him.'