SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 23.11

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    Juan

    Han Feizi records Duke Huan’s question about wealth’s limit. Guan Zhong compares wealth’s boundary to a riverbank: satisfaction sets wealth’s end, yet endless greed leaves people chasing riches without any natural cutoff.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 23.10

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    Juan

    Han Feizi cites Hui Zi’s archery analogy: skilled Hou Yi earns strangers’ trust for steady shots, yet a kid with a cocked bow scares his own mother. Reliable outcomes build trust, while uncertainty drives people away.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 23.9

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    Juan

    Han Feizi shares a fable: Yang Bu changed from white to black clothes after rain, so his dog barked at him. Before beating the dog, Yang Zhu reasoned outer shifts mislead judgment; never evaluate others merely by superficial appearance changes.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 23.8

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    Juan

    Han Feizi recounts Song’s prime minister held absolute power. Warned of fatal risks by Liang Zi, Ji Zi tailored his counsel to urge the lord to prioritize self-care and neglect state affairs to avoid clashing with the domineering minister.

  • Zhǎn Cǎo Chú Gēn (斩草除根)

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    Ana

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 斩草除根 Pinyin: zhǎn cǎo chú gēn Literal Meaning: Cut weeds and pull out their roots entirely. Figurative Meaning: Eliminate the root of troubles or hostile forces thoroughly to avoid future dangers and hidden troubles.  Cultural Background Derived from ancient farming wisdom and state-governing philosophy. Ancient Chinese farmers knew weeds would…

  • King Fuchai Spared Goujian: Not Out of Stupidity, But “Workplace Rules”

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    Rob

    This article rejects the folk tale that Fuchai spared Goujian out of lust or folly. Bound by Spring-Autumn norms and geopolitics, Fuchai spared him to avoid rebel uprisings and allied retaliation, yet Goujian later conquered Wu after enduring hardships.