A painting of Xi Shi (File Photo)

    By Yao Minji

    BEIJING, Dec. 4 -- The legend of Xi Shi, one of the four ancient beauties of China, has it all: love, war, espionage, revenge. Michael Tang's new English book "Siren of China" retells the 2,500-year-old story for Western readers.

    Probably the most celebrated woman in Chinese history, Xi Shi is synonymous with "beauty" in Chinese. Her magnificent looks and valor as a spy dispatched to destroy her king's enemy has inspired poets and writers for 2,500 years.

    Every Chinese grows up hearing varied versions of the Xi Shi tale, and New York-based Shanghai native Michael Tang's newly published 334-page English novel "Siren of China" carries the ancient story to foreigners.

    Instead of simply relating the ancient legend, Tang used his research and imagination to logically fill the loopholes, resolve contradictory details and craft a coherent tale about the Spring and Autumn Period (770-467 BC).

    In the story, the king of Wu defeats the king of Yue, and he seeks revenge. Accepting a wise man Fan Li's suggestion, the king of Yue sends Fan's lover Xi Shi to seduce the king of Wu.

    She succeeds and becomes the concubine of the enemy king. For the next 12 years the king of Wu neglects his kingdom, addicted to a luxurious life with Xi Shi. During this time the king of Yue strengthens his forces, plots and finally conquers the Kingdom of Wu.

    Tang fills in the details.

    The author moved to the UK and then the United States in the late 1980s and today is a businessman. He considers "writing a story or reading a book a constructive use of leisure time." He is the author of well-received books about ancient Chinese wisdom for Western readers.