SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

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

    •

    Juan

    This article tells Eastern Han’s tragic tale of integrity amid decline. It features Ban Chao’s frontier service, Cai Lun’s paper invention, and Yang Zhen’s famous “Heaven knows, earth knows” stand against bribery. After Empress Deng’s death, corrupt eunuchs and clans seized power, executing upright officials and dooming the dynasty.

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

    •

    Juan

    This article recounts the fall of Eastern Han’s powerful Dou clan. Dou Xian seized control, murdered a royal kinsman, and grew tyrannical after defeating the Northern Xiongnu. At 14, Emperor He plotted with eunuch Zheng Zhong, staged a coup, and toppled the Dous. The purge reshaped the court and ended the clan’s tyranny.

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

    •

    Juan

    This article tells Ban Chao’s legendary journey: abandoning scholarship for military service, he led just 36 men to subdue kingdoms in the Western Regions. His bold raids and wise diplomacy revived the Silk Road and secured Han’s frontier. Despite court pressure to withdraw, he stayed and safeguarded Central Asia for decades.

  • Qu Yuan

    •

    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

    •

    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.”

  • The Dream That Brought Buddhism to China [Eastern Han]

    •

    Juan

    This article recounts how Emperor Ming’s golden-man dream brought Buddhism to China. Envoys traveled west, returning with scriptures and monks. The White Horse Temple was founded as China’s first Buddhist temple. Though early faith sparked political scandal, Buddhism took root and shaped Chinese culture forever.