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Li Ru in the novel and history [Three Kingdoms]
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Li Ru is portrayed as a central and sinister figure—Dong Zhuo’s son-in-law and chief strategist, to whom the warlord turned for counsel on every major decision. Though historically obscure, Li Ru is elevated in the novel to the role of Dong Zhuo’s intellectual architect, shaping his rise, reign,…
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Bao Xin and Cao Cao’s Rise [Three Kingdoms]
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Bao Xin is a minor figure, and his appearances are few but pivotal.
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How Cao Cao seized Yanzhou: The calculated rise of a Warlord [Three Kingdoms]
In 192 AD, after Li Jue and Guo Si seized Chang’an, murdered Wang Yun, and captured Emperor Xian, they established control over the Sili region and eastern Liang Province(Liangzhou), effectively holding the Han central government hostage for the next four years. Though they nominally ruled in the emperor’s name, real power in the empire…
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The guerrilla tactics of Peng Yue [Three Kingdoms]
Li Jue was originally a general under Dong Zhuo. After Dong Zhuo was killed by Wang Yun and Lü Bu, he declared independence and, following the strategy of his advisor Jia Xu, attacked the capital city of Chang’an. Today, let’s discuss how Li Jue defeated Lü Bu and successfully captured Chang’an.
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The cost of indecision: Wang Yun’s failure to pardon the Liangzhou Army [Three Kingdoms]
In The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Wang Yun refused to pardon Li Jue and others out of deep hatred for their role in aiding Dong Zhuo’s tyranny. However, historical records reveal a more nuanced stance: Wang Yun was not opposed to amnesty for the Liangzhou troops but hesitated to grant it outright due…
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Wang Yun‘s errors and downfall [Three Kingdoms]
In 192 AD, after Dong Zhuo’s brutal usurpation of the Han Dynasty had plunged the empire into chaos, Wang Yun conspired with Li Su, Shi Shunrui and Lü Bu to eliminate Dong Zhuo. Although previous assassination attempts against Dong Zhuo by others had all failed, this time Wang Yun and his accomplices succeeded.