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Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chijs/
 In 100 BC, Su Wu (140-60 BC) was sent by Emperor Wu of Han on a diplomatic mission to pay a goodwill visit to Han. However, the situation had changed and he was detained before sending to Lake Beihai herding sheep. It was cold and uninhabited. 
The only thing keeping his company was a Jingjie, which was made of bamboo with tassels of yak hair, the symbol of  his authority as a representative of Han. During his exile, no food or water was supplied. He had to resort to snow to quench his thirst and the sheepskin or grass roots to allay his hunger. 

A long time passed and the Jingjie wore out. For many time, the Hun tried to talk Su into surrendering, but he preferred to die rather that giving himself up.  

Later, Imperor Zhao of Han (94-74 BC) sent emissaries to Hun looking for Su Wu. The chieftain had to release him to Chang’an.  Su Wu was exiled in Lake Beihei herding sheep for 19 years and was regarded as a model remaining unyielding in the face of brutal force. 

His patriostism inspried patriots of generation to sacrifice their lives for the nation.



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