The tale of Yu Ji is one of the most famous tragic stories in Chinese history, widely celebrated and retold. However, the location of her tomb has been a subject of debate, with four different claims existing for over two thousand years, leaving the truth uncertain. These legends are found in Dingyuan County, Lingbi County, He County in Anhui Province, and Jiangpu County in Jiangsu Province. Each claim is accompanied by its own set of legends and evidence, turning Yu Ji's tomb into a historical mystery.
The claim from Dingyuan County originates from the tragedy of 'Farewell My Concubine,' which suggests that Yu Ji took her own life here. Although there are no remnants of her tomb today, records in the 'Records of the Grand Historian' lend credibility to its authenticity.
Lingbi County asserts that Yu Ji's tomb is located fifteen kilometers east of the city, marked by a gravestone inscribed with the words 'Heroine' and a couplet expressing sorrow for Yu Ji.
The legend from He County is associated with 'Flower Insertion Mountain,' where it is said that Yu Ji's head was carried by Xiang Yu, and an orchid fell, leading later generations to establish the 'Flower Insertion Temple.' Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, locals visit to pay their respects.
Jiangpu County's story describes the scene where Yu Ji took her own life by the orchid pond while Xiang Yu was breaking through enemy lines. Ultimately, Xiang Yu buried her near a small bridge, which was subsequently named 'Lost Ji Bridge.'
These legends not only enrich the image of Yu Ji but also serve as vital clues for future generations seeking the truth of history.
