-
Trust without doubt [Warring States]
This article recounts the legendary campaign of General Yue Yang to conquer the State of Zhongshan for Marquis Wen of Wei during the Warring States period. It highlights the ultimate test of leadership: Yue Yang’s ruthless sacrifice of his own son, who served the enemy state, to prove his loyalty. The narrative focuses on…
-
The Riverside Village [Tang Poems]
— Du Fu A clear river wind by the village and flow! Through long summer days, all in the village grows serene and slow. Swallows on the beam come and go at will; Gulls on the water snuggle each other and still. The old wife draws a chessboard on paper plain; The young son…
-
From humiliation to hegemony: The rise of Goujian [Spring & Autumn]
This article chronicles the legendary rise of King Goujian of Yue, the last hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period. It details his strategy of enduring humiliation after defeat, including his captivity in Wu and his subsequent use of statecraft to destroy his rival. The narrative highlights key tactics like the “Poisoned Grain” sabotage,…
-
Sleeping on Brushwood, Tasting Gall [Spring & Autumn]
This article delves into the legendary discipline of King Goujian of Yue following his defeat by the State of Wu in 494 BCE. It details how Goujian endured three years of captivity before returning home to implement a rigorous strategy of national revival. To ensure he never forgot his humiliation, he famously “Slept on…
-
The Stone Hut and the Horse Keeper [Spring & Autumn]
This article narrates King Goujian of Yue’s harrowing years of captivity in the State of Wu. Following his defeat at Lake Tai, Goujian was forced to live in a stone hut near King Helü’s tomb, enduring the humiliating role of a horse keeper. It details his strategy of deception, where he served King Fuchai…