The Gathering Storm in Handan

As dusk settled over the quiet valley roads, an unusual commotion disturbed the peaceful scene. A procession of black-clad warriors and red-robed maidservants, all mounted on dark horses with gleaming swords, escorted a polished bronze chariot rumbling into the Canggu Valley estate. From a distance, the entourage resembled dark clouds carrying the sun through the mountains after a storm. Behind the chariots came a line of creaking oxcarts, each covered with waterproof brown oxhide that wrapped the towering cargo into compact bundles, moving like small hills crawling through the valley.

This dramatic arrival marked the beginning of a crucial moment in Warring States history—the secret escape of Ying Yiren, the Qin prince held hostage in Zhao, and his merchant benefactor Lü Buwei. The year was around 260 BCE, during the tense aftermath of the devastating Battle of Changping where Qin had slaughtered 400,000 Zhao soldiers. Though Zhao had survived this catastrophe, relations between the two states remained bitterly hostile, with Ying Yiren’s hostage status becoming increasingly precarious.

The Mysterious Emissary from Xianyang

The ostentatious arrival of the self-proclaimed “secret envoy” Mi Qi from Qin’s capital Xianyang set events in motion. Claiming to be the brother of Lady Huayang and Lady Huayue—two influential consorts of Qin’s crown prince—Mi Qi carried a message announcing Ying Yiren’s new status as heir apparent. His mission: to assist Lü Buwei in securing Ying Yiren’s safe return to Qin.

Lü Buwei, the wealthy merchant from Puyang who had invested heavily in Ying Yiren’s future, immediately recognized the danger. Mi Qi’s flamboyant behavior—flaunting wealth, indulging in wine and women, and openly discussing state secrets—threatened to expose their carefully laid plans. As Lü Buwei observed Mi Qi’s antics during their meeting at the Canggu Valley estate, his suspicions grew. The envoy’s behavior seemed deliberately designed to attract attention, contrary to the discreet nature of a genuine secret mission.

The Web of Deception Tightens

Unbeknownst to Lü Buwei, Lord Pingyuan—Zhao’s chief minister—had been monitoring the situation for months. The crafty statesman had allowed Mi Qi’s activities to continue, gathering intelligence while maintaining the appearance of ignorance. When Mi Qi drunkenly revealed the Qin succession plan during a banquet at Lord Pingyuan’s residence, the Zhao minister sprang his trap.

Lord Pingyuan and Lord Xinling (the visiting Wei nobleman) quickly devised a response: capture Ying Yiren and execute Lü Buwei. They mobilized Zhao’s military forces, setting up checkpoints on all roads leading west toward Qin territory. The normally bustling Handan gates would be placed under strict surveillance at dawn, with Lü Buwei’s likeness posted for identification.

The Midnight Escape

Lü Buwei’s network of informants alerted him to the danger just in time. On that snowy winter night, he rushed to Ying Yiren’s hidden residence in Handan’s western district. Overcoming the prince’s initial reluctance (and his emotional attachment to his pregnant wife Zhao Ji), Lü Buwei organized a desperate escape. With the help of loyal retainers Mao Gong and Xue Gong—who chose to stay behind to maintain appearances—Lü Buwei, Ying Yiren, and a small escort slipped out of Handan’s western gate under cover of darkness.

Their planned route took them northwest toward the Wu’an garrison, then through the treacherous Fukou Gorge into Shangdang territory. From there, they could cross into Qin-controlled lands. The journey would be perilous—200 li (about 66 miles) through hostile territory in winter conditions—but their small, fast-moving party had a chance if they could pass the critical checkpoints before dawn.

The Cavalry’s Timely Intervention

As the fugitives approached the Wu’an perimeter, they encountered an unexpected salvation—Jing Yun and his band of loyal cavalry. These warriors, originally part of Lü Buwei’s private security force, had learned of the increased Zhao military presence along the planned escape route. Disregarding their prior agreement to disband and seek service in Qi, they intercepted Lü Buwei’s party to guide them along alternative paths.

The disciplined cavalry formation—with scouts, flank guards, and rear protection—demonstrated military precision as they whisked the escapees away from the main road. Jing Yun’s decisive leadership overcame Lü Buwei’s initial resistance, recognizing that survival took precedence over prior arrangements.

The Historical Significance

This dramatic escape had profound historical consequences. Ying Yiren would eventually ascend the Qin throne as King Zhuangxiang, with Lü Buwei serving as his chancellor. Their successful flight from Zhao ensured the continuation of Qin’s royal line at a critical juncture, paving the way for the eventual unification of China under Ying Yiren’s son—the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

The episode also reveals much about Warring States political intrigue. The complex interplay between merchant elites like Lü Buwei, hostage princes like Ying Yiren, and powerful ministers like Lord Pingyuan demonstrates how personal relationships and secret agreements shaped state affairs during this turbulent period.

Cultural Reflections and Legacy

The escape story encapsulates several key aspects of Warring States culture:

1. The rising influence of merchant classes in politics
2. The importance of personal connections (guanxi) in state affairs
3. The constant tension between public duty and private loyalty
4. The sophisticated intelligence networks operating between states

In modern times, Lü Buwei’s strategic planning and crisis management continue to be studied as examples of successful political maneuvering under extreme pressure. The story also serves as a reminder of how individual actions—even those taken in secret—can alter the course of history.