How much does Zhao Ji like Chang Yu? Sima Qian used the three words "absolute love" to express the deformed love between the two
The love between Zhao Ji and Chang Yu: A misunderstood relationship
Zhao Ji, the "queen mother" of the Warring States Period, her life experience can be described as ups and downs. From an ordinary concubine who was given to a wealthy merchant as a concubine, to finally becoming the most noble woman in the Qin State - the Queen Mother of Qin, her fate can be described as peculiar.
However, Zhao Ji's life was not all smooth sailing. Her emotional experience is also quite tortuous and moving. When she was forced to become Lü Buwei's concubine, she loved dancing and eventually won the favor of the big businessman with her talent. But she was then given as a gift to King Yingyiren of Qin (later Qin Shi Huang). Such an encounter more or less gave Zhao Ji a feeling of being used.
However, after King Qin ascended the throne, Zhao Ji was eventually taken to the State of Qin and became the queen. It seems like it should be a happy ending. But the reality is not so simple. As a widowed queen, Zhao Ji's heart has always been filled with an emotional emptiness. It wasn't until she met Chang Yu that she was comforted.
Sima Qian commented on the three words "absolute love", which shows that the relationship between the two is really unusual. Chang Yu satisfies the intimacy and warmth that Zhao Ji lacks. Although Chang Yu may have some lust for power, Zhao Ji doesn't seem to care about that. She simply longs to be loved and has a genuine relationship.
Perhaps it is precisely because of this simple emotional appeal that Zhao Ji finally encountered a tragic end. Not only did she lose her beloved Chang Yu, but she also suffered a murderous attack along with her two young sons. This woman, who had a magnificent life, ended up spending the rest of her life in a gorgeous but cold prison.
History often gives people a cold feeling, but Zhao Ji's story makes people feel the warmth of human nature. She is not a power-seeking woman, but an ordinary woman who longs to be loved. Her experience also makes us reflect on the fact that power and status are not a substitute for sincere emotions. Perhaps in this era known for utilitarianism, we should pay more attention to the inner world and use empathy to understand those seemingly cold historical figures.
The love between Zhao Ji and Chang Yu: A misunderstood relationship
In the long years of captivity, Zhao Ji is no longer the woman who was used and persecuted. She began to reflect on her life and lost interest in power and status completely. At this time, she just wants to have a pure relationship of her own. It's a pity that such an opportunity has slipped away from her hands forever.
Although Chang Yu has some ulterior ambitions, in Zhao Ji's eyes, he is undoubtedly the one who truly understands and loves her. Even though he was brutally killed by King Yingzheng of Qin, Zhao Ji still remembered him. She prefers to believe that Chang Yu's original intention is not for power, but to love her sincerely.
Perhaps at that time, most people couldn't understand Zhao Ji's persistence. After all, as a queen mother in a high position, she should pay more attention to politics and national affairs. But Zhao Ji is not such a cold person. What she longs for in her heart is just an object to confide in, someone who truly loves her.
We should not judge historical figures harshly with modern values. Zhao Ji's story teaches us that even in the context of supreme power, those most basic desires of human nature never change. The pain and misfortune she suffered was heart-wrenching.
Maybe one day in the future, we will be able to reacquaint ourselves with this misunderstood woman. She is not a ruthless ruler, but an ordinary person, a woman who longs to be loved. It is this kind of her who makes this history full of the brilliance of humanity.