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The Torment of Factionalism: A Dynasty Torn Apart [Song & Yuan]
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Introduction: This text traces the turbulent political shifts in the late Northern Song Dynasty, starting with Empress Dowager Gao’s regency after Emperor Shenzong’s death. It covers the Yuanyou Restoration, when conservatives led by Sima Guang abolished Wang Anshi’s New Policies. Factional splits among conservatives and Emperor Zhezong’s resentment followed, leading to the Shaosheng Restoration…
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The Man of Zheng Who Buys Shoes
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– by Han Fei (Pre-Qin Period) There was a man from the state of Zheng who wanted to buy shoes. He first measured his own feet, then left the measurement on his seat.
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The wise son and the suspicious neighbor
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– by Han Fei (Pre-Qin Period) In the state of Song, there was a wealthy man. After heavy rain, the wall of his house collapsed. His son said: “If we don’t repair it at once, thieves will surely break in.” An old man from his neighborhood also warned him the same thing. That night,…
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Self-Contradiction
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-by Han Fei (Pre-Qin Period) A man from the state of Chu was selling shields and spears.