SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The General Beneath the Humiliation: Han Xin’s Rise from Obscurity [Western Han]

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    Juan

    This article traces Han Xin’s rise from humiliation to greatness. Enduring the “crawl between legs” shame, he joined Liu Bang and was discovered by Xiao He. After the famous “chase by moonlight,” he was named Grand General. His strategy laid the foundation for Liu Bang to conquer the empire.

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

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    Juan

    This article recounts Xiang Yu’s brutal entry into Xianyang: executing Ziying, massacring Qin nobles, and burning Epang Palace. He divided the empire into 18 kingdoms, exiling Liu Bang to remote Hanzhong. Liu burned gallery roads to feign submission, while Xiao He’s pursuit of Han Xin laid the groundwork for Han’s rise.

  • The Hongmen Banquet [Western Han]

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    Juan

    This article depicts the pivotal Hongmen Banquet. Fearing Liu Bang’s ambition, Xiang Yu plotted to kill him. Saved by Xiang Bo’s intervention and Fan Kuai’s bold defense, Liu Bang escaped death. Xiang Yu’s hesitation let his rival live, sowing the seeds of Chu’s eventual defeat.

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

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    Juan

    This article tells how Liu Bang entered Xianyang, ended the Qin Dynasty, and issued the Three Simple Laws to win popular support. In contrast, Xiang Yu massacred 200,000 Qin captives, losing hearts in Guanzhong. Liu blocked Hangu Pass, triggering a standoff that led to the pivotal Hongmen Banquet.

  • 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!