Bi Gan

Bi Gan (比干) was a prominent figure in Chinese history, traditionally regarded as a virtuous official of the Shang Dynasty (商朝). He is revered as a symbol of loyalty, integrity, and righteous remonstration.

According to legend, Bi Gan was a member of the Shang royal family, possibly an uncle or elder relative of the last Shang king, Di Xin (帝辛), also known as King Zhou (紂王). King Zhou is typically depicted as a tyrannical and debauched ruler.

Bi Gan served as a high-ranking minister in the Shang court and repeatedly attempted to advise King Zhou to abandon his immoral ways and improve his governance for the sake of the dynasty and its people. He courageously spoke out against the king's cruelty, extravagance, and neglect of state affairs.

The historical records regarding Bi Gan are limited, and much of what is known about him comes from later historical and literary works, such as the Records of the Grand Historian (史記) and the Investiture of the Gods (封神演義). These accounts portray King Zhou as increasingly resistant to Bi Gan's advice and surrounded by corrupt officials who sought to silence dissent.

Ultimately, Bi Gan's persistent criticism of King Zhou led to his tragic demise. He was reportedly executed in a particularly cruel manner, although the precise details vary across different accounts. One common legend claims that King Zhou, intrigued by rumors of Bi Gan's "seven-aperture heart" (七竅玲瓏心), ordered him to be disemboweled to see if the rumors were true.

Bi Gan's death is seen as a pivotal event in the decline of the Shang Dynasty, symbolizing the king's moral corruption and his disregard for the well-being of his subjects. He is considered a martyr for his unwavering commitment to justice and his willingness to sacrifice his life in the pursuit of good governance.

Throughout Chinese history, Bi Gan has been venerated as an exemplar of loyal and upright officials who dared to speak truth to power, even at great personal risk. His story continues to be told and retold, inspiring generations to uphold moral principles and stand against injustice.