Casting a net into history

Tao's great-grandfather was the renowned general Tao Kan, but by Tao Yuanming's generation, the family had fallen into decline. As the documentary explains, in an era that prized pedigree and social status, Tao Yuanming ultimately chose a hermit's life — not simply out of indifference to worldly success, but because he grew skeptical of the very meaning of pursuing an official career. In such turbulent times, even those at the pinnacle of power could not master their own fates.

Qu Yuan, the great patriot-poet of the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), offers another example of how Yu and fellow creators bring lesser-known facts to light.

Exiled and defamed by the noble cabals of the State of Chu, Qu wandered in wretchedness. On the road to banishment, word reached him that his homeland had fallen to the army of the State of Qin. Holding a heavy stone, he drowned himself in the Miluo River as a final, desperate act of fidelity.

Fishermen, racing to retrieve his body, cast bundles of rice wrapped in leaves into the water, hoping to distract the fish from eating his flesh. That offering is believed to be one of the origins of zongzi (glutinous rice with various fillings wrapped in leaves); and the tradition commemorating the day of his death has ensured that his name will never be forgotten.

What drew director Yu to Qu, however, was not simply his unwavering patriotism, but something more particular.

"In that era, learned men were traveling from state to state, seeking the favor of rulers. Qu was famous. He had every opportunity to leave. With his status and fame, he would have been welcomed anywhere. Yet, he chose to remain in Chu, enduring torment," Yu observes.

"Through our research, we discovered that he carried royal blood. He had an innate sense of mission, a conviction that his life belonged to that land. He would give everything, even his life, without leaving," Yu explains, describing what drew him to retell Qu's story after discovering this motivation.

Alongside the celebrated figures who shaped China's history, the documentary also shines a light on the obscure — those who left only a faint trace in the historical record. Their inclusion reflects the creators' attempts to show that the qualities of the Chinese people are not found solely among the highly educated elite or high-ranking officials.

One such figure is Chu Ni, perhaps the earliest recorded assassin from the Spring and Autumn Period. More than 2,600 years ago, on an early morning, Chu slipped into the residence of Zhao Dun, a high-ranking official of the State of Jin. He had been sent by the ruler, who resented Zhao's integrity — a constant reminder of the ruler's own debauchery and indulgence.

Yet, when Chu observed Zhao's diligence and dedication in serving the country, he found himself torn. Moved by Zhao's virtue and unwilling to betray his own conscience, the assassin chose instead to take his own life, dashing his head against the trunk of a locust tree.