Cheng Ying

CHINESE MYTHS AND LEGENDS 

Cheng Ying, an artist’s rendition

Dawn envelops the pine forests on the outskirts of the State of Wei. There, a pair of hands holds a sword hilt, and raises it in celebration of the transition from night to day. However, the blade is nowhere to be found. The only clue to its existence is a shadow on the opposite wall. 

As the sword is swung in an arc, a gentle whisper is heard. The trees shivered, its leaves rustling as though in a soft breeze, though there was no wind. Then, there was silence. Suddenly, the pine trees topple to the ground, cut cleanly at the roots. Indeed, Cheng Ying is an elegant sword that shrouded in mystery.

The story above relates Cheng Ying to Taoism. The sword is also described — in fantastical detail — in the Taoist text Liezi, the Questions of Tang. Apparently, Cheng Ying was forged during the Shang Dynasty (around 1600 – 1100 BC). Kong Zhou then came to own the sword. He was a minister of the Han Dynasty who was adept in qingtan — a practice based on Taoism of engaging in philosophical conversations and debates.

One day, a man called Lai Dan sought Kong Zhou’s audience. Apparently, Lai Dan's father was murdered during a feud with one of the villagers. Alas, the murderer was as strong as an ox; but Lai Dan was as weak as a kitten. As such, he was helpless to exact his revenge. Seeing Lai Dan's frustrations, his friend suggested he look for Kong Zhou. 

Kong Zhou had several prized swords. However, none of them was effective as a weapon. After hearing Lai Dan's plea, the minister presented three swords to him — one of which was Cheng Ying. In the end, he chose another sword. As expected, his plan failed, and Lai Dan went home more frustrated than ever.