Qu Yuan

Qu Yuan was born into an aristocratic family of the Chu state, descended from Qu Xia, son of King Wu of Chu. Exceptionally intelligent from childhood, he studied extensively, mastering history, literature, and politics. In his twenties, he gained the trust of King Huai of Chu and was appointed Left Minister, responsible for both domestic and foreign affairs, and later served as Sanlü Grand Master, overseeing clan affairs. Politically, Qu Yuan advocated for "good governance", promoting the appointment of virtuous and capable officials, legal reforms, and alliance with Qi against Qin to achieve the unification of Chu. He assisted King Huai in reform efforts, temporarily making Chu powerful and respected among the states. However, his reforms threatened the interests of the corrupt aristocracy, leading to slander by officials like Jin Shang and Zilan. In 305 BCE, Qu Yuan was alienated and demoted to Sanlü Grand Master. After King Huai was captured and died in Qin in 299 BCE, King Qingxiang ascended to the throne and Qu Yuan faced further persecution, being exiled to the Jiangnan region. During his exile, witnessing Chu's decline, he wrote numerous immortal poems filled with anguish. In 278 BCE, when Qin general Bai Qi captured Chu's capital Ying, Qu Yuan, seeing no hope for national restoration and his political ideals unattainable, drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. His death became an eternal symbol of Chinese patriotic spirit, giving rise to the Dragon Boat Festival.