about the poet:
Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and minister from the state of Chu during the Warring States Period. China was in chaos during that time, as each of 7 kingdoms fought to unite the country under its own sovereignty. In 316 BC, Qin, the strongest state, planned to conquer Chu and then the other 5 kingdoms. Qu Yuan advocated allying with Qi in order to establish a stronghold against Qin. As a political idealist and a man who loved his country more than himself, he was devoted to reforming and revitalizing Chu for the good of its people.
For their own selfish reasons, corrupt individuals in the Chu court slandered Qu Yuan and dissuaded the king from taking his advice. The king turned a deaf ear to harsh truths about the state of Chu and banished Qu Yuan from its capital of Ying. Qu Yuan lamented about Chu's inevitable downfall, but his loyalty never wavered. In 278 BC, he committed suicide upon learning that Ying had been captured by Qin general Bai Qi. His death is commemorated by dragon boat Festival
