SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Ashes of the Palace, Seeds of Rebellion [Western Han]

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    Juan

    The Execution of Ziying and the Sack of Xianyang Days after the Hongmen Banquet, Xiang Yu marched into Xianyang city at the head of a coalition of feudal lords, with Liu Bang following cautiously behind. The first order of business was the fate of Ziying, the last ruler of Qin, who had reigned for…

  • The Hongmen Banquet [Western Han]

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    Juan

    A Looming Threat in the West After Liu Bang’s swift capture of Guanzhong and his merciful governance under the “Three Simple Laws,” Xiang Yu – camped with 400,000 troops at Hongmen, just 40li from Bashang – grew suspicious. His chief strategist, Fan Zeng, warned him:“Liu Bang once loved wealth and women. Now he refuses…

  • The Three Simple Laws: Liu Bang’s Mercy and the Fall of Qin [Western Han]

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    Juan

    The Last Days of Qin As rebel armies closed in on Xianyang, panic gripped the Qin court. Emperor Er Shi (The Second Emperor of Qin), trembling with fear, ordered Zhao Gao to mobilize troops – but Zhao Gao had other plans. Fearing that defeat would expose his treachery, he assassinated Er Shi and sought…

  • Farewell to Dong [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Gao Shi Yellow clouds spread for miles and miles have veiled the day; The north wind blows down snow and wild geese fly away. Fear not you’ve no admirers as you go along. There is no connoisseur on earth but loves your song.

  • To a Friend Parting for Shu [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Li Bai Rugged is the road, I hear, Built by the pioneer. In front steep mountains rise; Beside my horse cloud flies. Over plank way trees hang down; Spring water girds the town. Decided our rise and fall. Do not bother at all!

  • Farewell to Uncle Yun at Xie Tiao Pavilion [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Li Bai What left me yesterday Can be retained no more; What troubles me today Is the times for which I feel sore. In autumn wind for miles and miles the wild geese fly. Let’s drink in face of this in the pavilion high! Your writing’s forcible like ancient poets while Mine is…