Story Summary
Explore the epic tale of The Orphan of Zhao, a legendary Chinese story of ultimate sacrifice and revenge. Discover how a loyal physician saves a noble bloodline.
In the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period, the power-hungry minister Tu'an Gu orchestrated the massacre of the entire Zhao clan. Only the newborn son of Zhao Shuo survived, hidden by his mother, Princess Zhuangji. To protect the child, the loyal physician Cheng Ying conspired with the retired minister Gongsun Chujiu. In a heart-wrenching act of devotion, Cheng Ying sacrificed his own infant son, passing him off as the Zhao heir to be killed, while Gongsun gave his life to complete the ruse. Cheng Ying then raised the real orphan, Zhao Wu, under the roof of the villain Tu'an Gu himself, who adopted the boy as his godson. Twenty years later, Cheng Ying revealed the truth through a series of paintings depicting the massacre and the sacrifices made. Consumed by righteous fury, Zhao Wu exacted his revenge, executed the traitor Tu'an Gu, and restored the honor of the Zhao house.
The Moral
True loyalty and righteousness require immense personal sacrifice and the patience to wait for justice, no matter how long it takes.
“To save the innocent, one must sometimes endure the weight of the world in silence.”
Fun Fact
This story was the first Chinese play ever translated into a European language, adapted by the French philosopher Voltaire in 1755 as 'The Orphan of China.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Orphan of Zhao?
The story teaches that righteousness and loyalty are the highest virtues, often requiring profound personal sacrifice. It emphasizes that while evil may prosper for a time, justice will eventually prevail through perseverance.
Is The Orphan of Zhao based on a true story?
The story is based on historical accounts found in Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian.' While the core events involve real historical figures from the state of Jin, the narrative has been highly dramatized over centuries.
Who is the villain in The Orphan of Zhao?
The primary antagonist is Tu'an Gu, a corrupt and ambitious minister. He is responsible for the mass execution of the Zhao clan and serves as the foil to the loyal physician Cheng Ying.
How did Cheng Ying save the Zhao orphan?
Cheng Ying saved the orphan by making the ultimate sacrifice: he swapped his own newborn son for the Zhao baby. This led the villains to believe the Zhao bloodline was extinguished, allowing the real heir to grow up in secret.
What is the cultural significance of this story?
It is one of China's most famous tragedies and holds a special place in world literature. It was the first Chinese play to be translated into European languages, influencing Western thinkers like Voltaire.
How does the story of the Orphan of Zhao end?
The story ends with the orphan, Zhao Wu, learning his true identity as a young man. He successfully kills the usurper Tu'an Gu, avenges his family, and is officially recognized by the King, restoring the Zhao clan's status.
