SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • “Wolves Block the Road”: Corruption, Rebellion, and the Fall of Integrity [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    A Sudden Death and a Stolen Throne In 125 CE, Emperor An of Han fell gravely ill while on a pleasure tour. He died en route – “a fool to the end,” as later historians would say. His wife, Empress Yan, burst into tears, but her brother Yan Xian and eunuchs Jiang Jing and…

  • “Heaven Knows, Earth Knows”: Integrity and Downfall in the Court [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    The Last Mission Beyond the Western Regions After more than thirty years governing the Western Regions, Ban Chao – now in his late sixties – dreamed of reaching Da Qin, the fabled Roman Empire. In a final diplomatic thrust, he dispatched his trusted subordinate Gan Ying as envoy, bearing gifts and goodwill.

  • The Fall of the Dou Clan: How a Teenage Emperor Toppled an Empress’ Tyranny [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    The Rise of the Dou Family When Empress Dowager Dou – great-granddaughter of the famed general Dou Rong – assumed regency for her ten-year-old stepson, Emperor He of Han, real power fell to her brother, Dou Xian. As the de facto ruler, Dou Xian’s first major act was to repeal the state monopolies on…

  • Throwing Down the Brush for the Sword: Ban Chao [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    A Scholar’s Son, a Warrior’s Heart After leaving the warlord Wei Xiao, historian Ban Biao joined Dou Rong in Hexi. Later summoned by Emperor Guangwu, he began compiling the Sequel to Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji Houzhuan) – but died before completing it. He left behind two gifted sons: Ban Gu, the elder,…

  • Qu Yuan

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    Juan

    Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BCE) was a statesman and poet of the Warring States period, hailing from the state of Chu. His given name was Ping, and his courtesy name was Yuan. Born into the Chu aristocracy, he initially enjoyed the deep trust of King Huai of Chu and held key offices such as…

  • Sima Guang

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    Juan

    Sima Guang (1019–1086 CE) was a prominent statesman and historian of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Junshi, and he styled himself Yusou (“Old Recluse”). Born in Sishui Village, Xia County, Shanzhou (in present-day Shanxi Province), he was widely known as “Master Suishui.”