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In Chinese history after the Qin Dynasty was overthrown, the King of Chu, XiangYu, and the King Han, Liu Bang, contended for years over control of China. The story of 'Farewell, My Concubine' is the tragically heroic conclusion of this historical warfare.
In 202 B.C., with fanfare and flags flying, Xiang yu, Overlord of West Chu, confidently led his mighty army out on campaign. His army met the Army of Han at Nine Mile Mountain. But Xiang Yu was enticed deep into an ambush by the Han general Han Xin and surrounded at Gai Xia. In the night, the Han army sang songs of Chu tricking Xiang Yu's men into believing all of the Chu Kingdom was lost. The spirit of Xiang Yu's army was broken.
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Yu Ji was the beautiful concubine of Xiang Yu. Her only wish was for Xiang Yu to quickly break through the encirclement and rally his forces. To free him of being burdened by her, she danced the Sword Dance, said farewell to Xiang Yu, and killed herself with a sword. Xiang Yu, totally despondent, led his guard through the encirclement and battled until he reached the Wu River. There because most of his men were wounded or dead and the shame he felt to face the elders of his home after leading their sons to death, Xaing Yu cut his throat.
Although the Army of Chu was defeated, the story of Xiang Yu and Yu Ji has been passed down to the present.
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