The Story

This series of woodcut originates from an ancient Chinese story:

An elderly king spoiled his concubine, who conspired to eliminate Prince ShenSheng, so her son could take his place as prince. And the king believed her slander and decided to kill the Prince.Prince ShenSheng was very calm, ready to die.
One of his aides asked him why not to confront the king and plea for a living?
The prince answered: That is not my wish. My father enjoys his life with his concubine, if I undermined her, my father will be very unhappy.
In reply of the question why he does not flee, the prince said: if I fled, king will mistakenly think that I want to revenge and kill him in the future, these will cause instability and chaos, which my country cannot afford.

Finally, the prince exhorted the officials that the king is elderly, and new prince is still young and immature, their loyalty and commitment will be of great comfort for his sacrifice. Then Prince ShenSheng committed suicide. And his voluntary sacrifice leaves him a special place in the history.