Su Wu

 

Su Wu was the  faithful minister of  Empeor Han Wudi. He was sent  by the emperor as an envoy to make peace with the xiongnu, a nomadic tribe which occupied the area in North Western China and frequently invaded the territories of the Han Dynasty.  While on mission, he was accused of plotting to overthrow the Xiongnu leader.  He was tortured and offered high position to induce him to surrender.  However, he refused to do so.  He was banished to the wild and barren Beihai region to tend cattle.  He remained there for 19 years and was released 19 years later after the Xiong Nu made peace with Han Dynasty.  He is usually depicted as an old man carrying a stick and in the company of a herd of cattles.