Gao Jianli

Gao Jianli was from state of Yan, and he used to be a good friend with Jing Ke. In the 220s BC, the pressure of Qin military presence was more and more harsh, the Crown Prince Dan hope to recruit a suicidal assassin to assassinate Qin Shi Huang and stop his conquering. Prince Dan sought the most lethal dagger in the realm for Jing Ke. He obtained a dagger from Madam Xu of Zhao, purchasing it for a hundred gold pieces. He then had craftsmen treat it with poison. When tested on a person, even a slight wound would instantly cause death. The dagger was thus prepared, and Jing Ke was appointed for the mission. In the state of Yan, there was a brave youth named Qin Wuyang (Qin Kai's grandson). At the age of 13, he had already killed a man, and people did not dare meet his gaze. He was chosen to accompany Jing Ke as his aide. Jing Ke was waiting for someone to join him on the mission, but that person lived far away and had not yet arrived, so preparations were made in the meantime. As time passed and they had not yet departed, the prince grew anxious, fearing Jing Ke might change his mind. He pleaded again, saying, "The day is nearly over. Could it be that Jing Ke has lost his resolve? I beg to send Qin Wuyang ahead." Jing Ke became angry and shouted at the prince: "Why do you urge me so? Those who go and do not return are mere children! I am to carry a dagger into the unpredictable realm of Qin – I stayed only to wait for my companion. But now, you delay me. I take my leave!" Then he departed. Prince Dan and all those who knew of the plan dressed in white robes and hats to see them off. When they reached the banks of the Yi River, they performed a farewell ritual. As they prepared to set out, Gao Jianli played the zhu (築, a stringed instrument), and Jing Ke sang in harmony with a solemn tone. All the warriors wept. He then stepped forward and sang:

But the assassination was not successful, and Jing Ke was killed. After Jing Ke was killed during his assassination attempt on Qin Shi Huang, Gao changed his name and became an assistant in a wine shop, fearing reprisals from Qin Shi Huang. Gao Jianli's skill as a zhu player eventually came to the attention of the owner of the wine shop. Qin Shi Huang heard about Gao's ability and summoned Gao to play for him. When Gao's identity was eventually revealed, Qin Shi Huang, who loved music, pardoned Gao and kept him as a palace musician, but had him blinded to prevent any potential assassination attempts. After a few performances Qin Shi Huang had relaxed his vigilance. Sensing the change, Gao secretly hid pieces of lead in his zhu, and attempted to beat the Emperor to death with the heavy, weighted instrument when he got an opportunity. He failed in his attempt due to his blindness (the reason that the Emperor wanted him blinded in the first place) and was subsequently executed.