Ancient Heroism and Loyalty: The Story of Su Wu
Su Wu’s Spirit in Front of the Han Envoys
By Wen Tingyun, Tang Dynasty
Su Wu’s spirit waned before the Han envoys,
Ancient temple, towering trees, both seem desolate.
Clouds parted, geese broke their journey, the moon shone over barbarian skies,
On the hills, sheep returned, smoke from the frontier grasslands arose.
Returning to the capital, no longer the grand military tent,
When he left, crowned and sworded, he was in his prime.
At Maoling, no marquisate seal was seen,
In vain, he cried by the autumn waters for the passing river.
Notes:
Su Wu: An envoy of Emperor Wu of Han, who was detained for many years by the Xiongnu, showing steadfast loyalty, and was finally brought back during the reign of Emperor Zhao of Han.
“Clouds Parted” line: Refers to a ruse by the Xiongnu, who claimed Su Wu was dead. Later, Han envoys were instructed by Chang Hui to tell the Xiongnu that the Han emperor shot a goose that bore a letter from Su Wu, proving he was still alive. “Geese broke” refers to the communication cut-off between Su Wu and the Han court. “Barbarian” indicates the Xiongnu.
Hillside line: Refers to Su Wu’s return to the Han, yet the sheep he tended returned to their place. “Hills” (陇) is metaphorically used for the Xiongnu land beyond the Long Pass.
Military tent: According to records, Emperor Wu had a magnificent tent decorated with treasures. “No longer the grand military tent” means Emperor Wu was no longer alive.
Crowned and sworded: Refers to the envoy’s attire. “Prime years” refers to the age range from 21 to 59 as per Tang regulations.
Maoling: Emperor Wu’s tomb. Su Wu was conferred the of Marquis within the Passes with a fief of 300 households upon his return, but the emperor was no longer alive. “Passing river” symbolizes time gone by, from the Analects of Confucius.
Translation:
When Su Wu first met the Han envoys, he was overwhelmed with a mix of joy and sorrow. The ancient temple and towering trees stood solemnly and desolately. Held captive in the northern seas, all communication had been cut off, with only the barbarian sky’s bright moon above. Returning to tend his sheep on the desolate hills, the grasslands were shrouded in evening smoke. Returning to the capital to present himself, the grand military tent was no longer there. He had left, crowned and sworded, in his prime. Now, at Maoling, he saw no marquisate seal, and he could only weep by the autumn waters, mourning the past and lamenting the passing time.
Extended Essay
The story of Su Wu is one of profound loyalty and resilience, a tale deeply embedded in Chinese cultural memory. Su Wu was a diplomat during the Han Dynasty, who was captured by the Xiongnu and endured 19 years of captivity. His steadfast loyalty to the Han court became a symbol of unyielding integrity and devotion.
Su Wu’s mission to the Xiongnu was fraught with danger from the outset. As an envoy of Emperor Wu of Han, his task was to negotiate with the Xiongnu, a nomadic tribe that posed a constant threat to the Han Empire. However, his mission took a dire turn when he was detained by the Xiongnu. Despite the hardships and the isolation, Su Wu remained loyal to his emperor, refusing to renounce his allegiance to the Han Dynasty.
The poem “Su Wu’s Spirit in Front of the Han Envoys” by Wen Tingyun captures the essence of Su Wu’s ordeal and his unwavering spirit. The imagery in the poem is poignant and vivid, painting a picture of desolation and perseverance. The ancient temple and the towering trees symbolize the enduring legacy of Su Wu’s loyalty, standing tall despite the passage of time and the changing landscapes.
The reference to “clouds parted, geese broke their journey” alludes to the isolation Su Wu faced during his captivity. The Xiongnu deceitfully claimed that Su Wu had died, but the Han envoys, guided by Chang Hui’s cunning, revealed the truth through a dramatic tale of a letter-bearing goose. This poetic imagery highlights the communication cut-off between Su Wu and the Han court, emphasizing the loneliness and the separation he endured.
Su Wu’s return to the Han court was bittersweet. The line “on the hills, sheep returned, smoke from the frontier grasslands arose” signifies his physical return to his homeland, yet everything had changed. The grand military tent that once symbolized the might of the Han Dynasty was no more, and Emperor Wu, who had sent him on the mission, had passed away. Su Wu’s return to the capital was marked by a sense of loss and nostalgia for the glory that had faded with time.
The poem also reflects on the fleeting nature of life and time. The imagery of weeping by the autumn waters for the passing river underscores the transient nature of human endeavors and the inevitable passage of time. Su Wu’s lamentation for the bygone era is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of power and glory.
Su Wu’s story resonates with audiences today because it embodies universal themes of loyalty, resilience, and the passage of time. His unwavering devotion to his emperor, even in the face of extreme adversity, serves as an inspiration for integrity and steadfastness. In a modern context, Su Wu’s story can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges and trials individuals face, and the importance of staying true to one’s principles and commitments.
For American readers, Su Wu’s tale is not just a historical account but a narrative that parallels many universal experiences of struggle and perseverance. It highlights the values of loyalty and integrity, which are cherished across cultures. The story of Su Wu offers a profound lesson in resilience, reminding us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, one’s spirit and commitment can endure and inspire future generations.
In conclusion, Su Wu’s legacy is one of enduring loyalty and heroism. His story, immortalized in Wen Tingyun’s evocative poetry, continues to resonate as a timeless reminder of the power of steadfastness and integrity. As we reflect on Su Wu’s journey, we are reminded of the universal values that bind humanity and the enduring spirit that transcends time and borders.