• Zhuge Liang

    Zhuge Liang (181–234 CE) was a preeminent statesman and military strategist of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. His courtesy name was Kongming, and he was born in Yangdu, Langya Commandery (in present-day Yinan County, Shandong).

  • Rise and Hubris of the Great Qin Heavenly King – Fu Jian [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    This article chronicles Fu Jian’s rise and fall as ruler of Former Qin. He overthrew the tyrant Fu Sheng, ruled with virtue alongside Wang Meng, unified northern China, and revived culture and education. Yet blinded by hubris, he ignored Wang Meng’s final warning and prepared to invade Eastern Jin, sealing his tragic fate.

  • Shan Juan [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

    Shan Juan was a worthy man of antiquity. Emperor Yao heard that he had attained the Dao and thus faced north to study under him as a teacher. After Yao completed his reign, Shun also offered to yield the world to Shan Juan.

  • Xu You [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

    Xu You, courtesy name Wuzhong, was a native of Huaili in Yangcheng. He was a man who stood firmly on righteousness and walked squarely; he would not sit on a mat that was not straight, nor eat food that was not properly prepared. Later, he hid himself in the marshes of Pei.

  • Chao Fu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

    Chao Fu was a hermit from the time of Emperor Yao. He lived in the mountains, seeking no worldly profit. In his old age, he built a nest in a tree and slept upon it; thus, the people of his time called him “Father Nest” (Chao Fu).

  • Nie Que [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

    Nie Que was a man from the time of Emperor Yao. Xu You was the disciple of Nie Que.