Bian He, a man from the state of Chu, presented a piece of raw jade stone to King Li of Chu. The court's craftsman examined it and declared it to be an ordinary stone. Believing he had been deceived, King Li ordered Bian He's left foot to be cut off.
Later, after King Wu ascended the throne, Bian He presented the stone again. It was once more judged to be ordinary, and Bian He lost his right foot.
Upon hearing of King Wen's succession, Bian He held the stone and wept for three days until his tears ran dry and he cried blood. When news of this reached King Wen, he sent someone to inquire. Bian He said, "I grieve that a beautiful jade is mistaken for a common stone, and an honest man for a trickster."
Moved by his words, King Wen ordered the stone to be cut open. Inside, they found a flawless piece of jade. The king named this invaluable treasure "Heshibi."