The True Originator of the “Beauty Trap” Was Not Diao Chan! How Xi Shi, Brought Down the State of Wu

Hello everyone, welcome to History and Culture. In Chinese historical stories, the term beauty trap often first brings to mind the plot in Romance of the Three Kingdoms where Wang Yun presents Jiaochan, to sow discord. It is precisely because of the novel's widespread popularity that this story has become the most famous representative of the beauty trap. However, if we return to the actual historical timeline, we find that Wang Yun presenting Jiaochan is actually not the earliest example. The true, explicitly recorded instance of a beauty trap, carefully orchestrated at the state level, dates back to the Spring and Autumn period. And the protagonist of this story is none other than Xi She, later regarded as the foremost of the Four Great Beauties. If the figures like Mei Shi of the Xia Dynasty or Su Daji of the Shang Dynasty carry a somewhat passive and legendary flavor in later accounts, then Xi She's experience comes much closer to a clear and complete political arrangement. She was not accidentally swept up in history. Rather, she was pushed by the times onto the forefront of the storm. Xi She, originally named Shereiguang, was from the state of Yu and born in the area of present-day Zhuji, Zhejiang. In her locality, there were two villages, east and west. Her family lived in the western village, where many people bore the surname She. So she came to be called Xi She, literally, She of the West. Her family background was not prominent. They lived in modest circumstances. From a young age, she had to help with household chores and often labored by washing yarn at the stream. Historical records and legends frequently describe her extraordinary beauty. Yet Xi She was not without flaws, her health was not particularly robust, and she sometimes felt discomfort in her chest. Whenever this happened, she would gently furrow her brow, hold her chest and walk slowly. This expression later became known as Xi She holding her heart, which ironically turned into a symbol of her unique charm. It was precisely this natural, unforced demeanor that made her stand out strikingly among the crowd. Later, folklore gave rise to the story of Dong She imitating the frown, someone deliberately tried to copy Xi She's gesture. Only to make herself look ridiculous and become a laughingstock. This tale has been passed down through generations, further cementing Xi She's image in people's hearts. At that time, it was the late spring and autumn period, with constant conflicts among the feudal states. War broke out between Wu and Yu. Yu was at a disadvantage in direct confrontations and ultimately lost. King Gojian of Yu was forced to submit to King Fuchai of Wu, taking his queen and minister fondly to reside long-term in Wu territory as a gesture of sincerity. It was an extremely difficult period. On the surface, the Yu ruler and his ministers appeared obedient. But in their hearts, they never abandoned the idea of revival. Years later, King Fuchai gradually lowered his guard and allowed Gojian and his entourage to return to Yu. Upon returning home, Gojian embarked on a long and patient path to reclaim his state. He worked on internal affairs, developed production, and secretly sought opportunities. Among the many strategies, one plan, later called the Beauty Trap, stood out. The key architect of this plan was Fonli. Having lived in Wu for many years, Fonli had a deep understanding of King Fuchai's character. He knew that one clear weakness in Fuchai's temperament was his tendency to indulge in pleasures. Based on this, Fonli proposed the idea of presenting beautiful women to gradually erode Wu's judgment and vigilance. To carry out this mission, Yu searched among the common people for suitable candidates. The person needed not only outstanding appearance but also a firm mind, good sense of propriety, and the ability to endure immense psychological pressure. After rigorous selection, Xi Xue and Zheng Dan were chosen. When Fonli first met Xi Xue, he too was struck by her presence. But he was fully aware that this was not an arrangement to be taken lightly. After explaining the purpose to Xi Xue, she remained silent for a long time. She was well aware of the dangers involved and understood that this would completely alter her personal fate. In the end, Xi Xue nodded in agreement. Later, King Gojian personally received them and arranged for specialized instructors to teach them etiquette, music, and dance, as well as to brief them on the current political situation and background. These preparations were not merely for performance. They were to enable the women to handle themselves with composure in a foreign court. Years later, when all was ready, Xi Xue was sent to Wu. Upon first seeing Xi Xue, King Fuchai was indeed deeply impressed and soon developed a strong fascination with her. Xi Xue conducted herself with perfect decorum and spoke gently, gradually earning his trust. During her time in Wu, Xi Xue remained clear-headed. She understood exactly why she had come and the responsibility she carried. As King Fuchai's favor toward Xi Xue grew deeper day by day, much of his energy began shifting toward palace life. Wu's minister Wu Zixu repeatedly remonstrated, urging the king to stay vigilant and not overlook changes in Yu. But these warnings did not receive sufficient attention. Over time, Fuchai's decisions on personnel and policy gradually came under the influence of those around him. Meanwhile, Yu steadily recovered at home, its national strength slowly growing, while the Wu king's attention turned more toward external affairs and pleasures. Yu quietly completed its preparations. In 482 BCE, Yu launched an attack. Wu, stretched thin on multiple fronts, fell into a passive state. This outcome was not formed in a single day but was the result of years of accumulation. After Wu's fall, Xi Xue's fate is not clearly recorded in historical texts. Later generations offered various accounts. Some legends say that after fulfilling her mission, Xi Xue chose to retreat from the world. Others claim that Fanli took Xi Xue away from the struggles of power, drifting on the lakes and rivers, living a peaceful life that I n works by Tang Dynasty scholars. There are mentions of the legend that Fanli and Xi Xue lived in seclusion together after the Wuyue Conflict ended. Song Dynasty poet Su Xue also used, Xi Xi, in his poetry to compare the beauty of West Lake, expressing admiration for Xi Xue. According to comments by relevant historians, Xi Xue was originally just an ordinary yarn-washing girl. Yet in the torrent of the era, she bore a role far beyond that of ordinary people. She did not actively pursue power. Yet she became a crucial link in the course of history. Xi Xue's name has been remembered by history and repeatedly retold by later generations precisely because that period of time condensed the intertwined marks of individual fate and the era. This is the History and Culture channel. Liking and subscribing are the greatest help and support to us. Thank you everyone and see you in the next time.