In ancient feudal dynasties, many emperors neglected state affairs, focusing solely on feasting, drinking, and having fun. Unless someone admonished them, they would be overthrown.

This article tells the story of King Zhuang of Chu, who, after receiving advice from his concubines, turned his back on state.

The Concubine’s First Admonition

The Playful King

The young King Zhuang of Chu inherited the throne and became its ruler. However, from the day he took the throne, King Zhuang neglected state affairs:
He ignored foreign invasions of Chu’s borders,
he ignored the repeated famines that plagued the country, and
he spent his days either hunting or drinking and merrymaking.

Seeing this, the civil and military officials in the court were deeply concerned. But no one dared to offer any advice, as King Zhuang had decreed that anyone who did so would be executed.

Concubine Fan was deeply concerned about King Zhuang’s long-term neglect of state affairs and his preoccupation with pleasure. She tried several times to persuade him, but could never find the right opportunity.

The Beauty Trap

One morning, Concubine Fan saw King Zhuang preparing to go hunting. He immediately stepped forward and said to King Zhuang:

“I have a few words to tell the king.”

As King Zhuang put on his armor, he said:

“Let’s talk after I return, okay?”

Seeing that King Zhuang wouldn’t even listen to her, Concubine Fan felt aggrieved, her nose aching, and she burst into tears:

“It seems your majesty is deliberately distancing himself from me. I wonder when I have offended you!”

King Zhuang loved Concubine Fan very much. She was not only beautiful but also extremely virtuous. The princes, nobles, and the entire court respected her greatly. Seeing that Concubine Fan was truly crying, King Zhuang immediately removed his armor and said to her:
“My dear, please speak freely. Even a day is not too long for me.”

He then burst into laughter, causing Concubine Fan to burst into laughter as well. Wiping away her tears, she said to King Zhuang:

“Your Majesty has been away from me these days. It must be because I haven’t served you well enough that you’ve ignored me. Today, I’ve prepared some light wine to apologize!”

King Zhuang was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly said:

“Don’t worry. It’s rare for you to be so kind today. I’d be happy even if we drank for three days, not just one.”

Fan Fei immediately thanked King Zhuang and immediately announced that the king would be drinking in the harem for three days.

On the first two days, Fan Fei had tried to persuade him at the banquet, but King Zhuang pretended to be drunk, forcing her to give up.

On the third day, after they sat down, Fan Fei filled King Zhuang’s cup and said:

“I know you don’t want to hear my words. Today, I won’t persuade you anymore. I’ll play a song to cheer you up.”

Crying and Persuading the King

Fan Fei picked up her zither and sang as she played. The tune was so desolate, the lyrics so mournful, that Concubine Fan burst into tears. King Zhuang gazed at her tearful eyes, listening to her moving voice. He knew he shouldn’t let his beloved concubine down.

Before Concubine Fan finished singing, King Zhuang took her hand and said, “I understand your feelings. Starting tomorrow, I will attend court.”

The next day, King Zhuang of Chu did attend court.

The Concubine’s Second Persuasion

The Emperor Who Attended Court for Only One Day

Concubine Fan pleaded for three days. King Zhuang attended court for only one day, and then began to neglect state affairs again. To escape Concubine Fan’s admonitions, he simply went out hunting.

King Zhuang had been out hunting for twelve days. The weather had been terrible: either a north wind or heavy rain. Concubine Fan was worried that King Zhuang, dressed lightly, might get sick when the guard announced, “The king has returned to the palace.”

King Zhuang of Chu was carried into the palace by guards. Concubine Fan’s fears were correct: King Zhuang was ill. Due to the bad weather, he had caught a cold outdoors at night and had a high fever. After Concubine Fan had put King Zhuang to bed, she immediately ordered the guards to fetch the imperial physician. Thanks to the physician’s treatment and Concubine Fan’s meticulous care, King Zhuang soon recovered.

Using Illness as a Pretext for Persuasion

Concubine Fan secretly thought that this time he would finally learn his lesson, so she went to King Zhuang’s bedside and asked, “Your Majesty, are you feeling better?”

King Zhuang smiled and nodded.

“Better. It’s not a serious illness, it’s nothing serious.”

Concubine Fan smiled bitterly.

“This illness is serious. The imperial physician said it’s typhoid fever. If it weren’t treated quickly, Your Majesty would…”

King Zhuang shook his head and said nothing.

Seeing King Zhuang remain silent, Concubine Fan again offered earnest advice: A monarch should prioritize state affairs and lead his officials in governing the country. Only in this way can he live up to his deceased ancestors, live up to the support of his officials and the people, and avoid being bullied and ridiculed by other nations.

Concubine Fan sat by the bedside, pontificating endlessly, while King Zhuang lay quietly listening. At some point, King Zhuang began to snore. Hearing the snoring, Concubine Fan sighed deeply. She stopped trying to persuade him, feeling deeply distressed.

The Third Persuasion

After recovering from his illness, King Zhuang of Chu recuperated in the palace. Concubine Fan forbade him to drink or leave the house, leaving him feeling bored and unsure of what to do.

One day, while Concubine Fan wasn’t paying attention, King Zhuang quietly slipped out of the palace, accompanied by a few guards, and went hunting on horseback. Upon learning of this, Concubine Fan was furious and anxious, and momentarily lost for words.

Even after leaving the palace, King Zhuang felt uneasy. He felt even more uneasy as he left the city walls, regretting his secret escape.

Halfway through the journey, King Zhuang suddenly turned his horse around and ordered his guards back to the palace. When King Zhuang entered, Concubine Fan was sitting in the palace, weeping.

Upon hearing that King Zhuang had returned, she thought: “Even if I die today, I will persuade him to change his mind. The fate of Chu depends on this one move.”

Death as a Persuasion

So, she untied her long black hair and, with a pair of scissors, she cut off a long lock.

King Zhuang of Chu pushed open the door and entered. He happened to see Concubine Fan kneeling before him, holding the severed hair in her hands. Tears streamed down her cheeks. King Zhuang was stunned by this sight.

Concubine Fan cried:

“If Your Majesty does not change your mind, I will die like this hair, a warning to Your Majesty!”

She was sobbing beyond words. King Zhuang sighed deeply, feeling remorse and guilt. He took the hair from Concubine Fan’s hand and said sadly:

“My beloved concubine, your devotion to the State of Chu will not be in vain. If I do not work hard to govern the country, I will be unworthy of being the ruler of this country.”

Concubine Fan finally smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I hope you will keep your promise!”