<正>QU Yuan (340-278 B.C.) was born in the State of Chu, in what is present-day Zigui County, Hubei Province. He lived during the late Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.) of political chaos shortly before Emperor Qin Shihuang unified China. Qu Yuan's academic excellence earned him a place in the court of King Huai Before long his eloquence and state administrative skills brought him a promotion to the position of zuotu- deputy prime minister, a position he used to carry out much needed reforms to the State of Chu's domestic and foreign affairs.