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The making of a sage: Confucius [Spring & Autumn]
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Confucius (Kong Fuzi), born Kong Qiu or Zhongni, entered the world under modest circumstances. His father, Shuliang He (Kong He, styled Shuliang), was a low-ranking military officer in the state of Lu. Already advanced in age, Shuliang He had nine daughters and one son – whose lameness disqualified him as a worthy heir.
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Wu Zixu’s Vengeance [Spring & Autumn]
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In 506 BCE, King Helü of Wu launched a full-scale invasion of Chu, appointing Sun Tzu (Sun Wu or Sunzi) as supreme commander, Wu Zixu as deputy general, and his brother Prince Fugai as vanguard.
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Sun Tzu: Training palace maids into soldiers [Spring & Autumn]
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Wu, originally a backward state, was able to rise rapidly largely due to the strong support of Jin. This was because Jin suffered a defeat in the Battle of Bi in 597 BCE. Jin then adopted the strategy of allying with Wu to jointly confront Chu. Consequently, Jin imparted considerable military technology to Wu,…
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The dagger in the fish [Spring & Autumn]
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After slipping through Zhaoguan Pass amid the chaos of Huangfu Ne’s arrest, Wu Zixu fled eastward with Gongzi Sheng, the young son of the slain Crown Prince Jian. Exhausted and pursued, they reached a wide river with no bridge in sight. Dust clouds rose behind them – cavalry in hot pursuit.
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Wu Zixu fleeing through the Zhaoguan Pass [Spring & Autumn]
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During the reign of King Ping of Chu (r. 528–516 BCE), the state fell into moral decay. The king, easily swayed by flatterers, favored Fei Wuji – a cunning courtier who thrived on deceit.