SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Reformer of the Five Dynasties: Chai Rong [Sui & Tang]

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    Juan

    This article profiles Chai Rong, Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou, a key reformer amid the Five Dynasties chaos. After succeeding his adoptive father Guo Wei, he stabilized the realm, won the Battle of Gaoping, and reformed the military. He regulated Buddhism, revived culture, and expanded Later Zhou’s territory by conquering southern states and advancing…

  • Zhao Kuangyin

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    Ana

    Zhao Kuangyin (927–976 CE), posthumously honored as Emperor Taizu of Song, was the founding emperor of China’s Song dynasty, reigning from 960 to 976. Born in Zhuo Commandery (modern Zhuozhou, Hebei), he rose through the military ranks during the Later Zhou dynasty, eventually becoming Grand Commander of the Palace Army, the highest officer in…

  • The Son-Emperor and the Salted Corpse: The Rise of Liao and the Fall of Jin [Sui & Tang]

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    Juan

    This article tells the turbulent rise and fall of the Later Jin and the expansion of the Liao. It covers Shi Jingtang’s betrayal by becoming Liao’s “Son-Emperor” and ceding the Sixteen Prefectures. It also records Emperor Yelu Deguang’s invasion of the Central Plains, his rapid retreat due to popular resistance, and his bizarre death…

  • The Three Arrows of Vengeance: Li Cunxu [Sui & Tang]

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    Juan

    This article recounts the legendary story of Li Cunxu and the “Three Arrows of Vengeance”. It begins with the bitter feud between Li Keyong and Zhu Wen, covers the fall of the Tang Dynasty and the founding of Later Liang. On his deathbed, Li Keyong gave three arrows to his son Li Cunxu, who…

  • The Golden Armor and the Fallen Capital: The Huang Chao Rebellion [Sui & Tang]

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    Juan

    This article narrates the Huang Chao Rebellion, which shook the late Tang Dynasty. Starting from the decline of Tang after Emperor Xuanzong, it tells how salt smugglers Wang Xianzhi and Huang Chao rose up against heavy taxes and tyranny. Huang Chao captured Chang’an, founded the Great Qi, but later lost support and was defeated.…

  • The Sweet Dew Incident: Emperor Wenzong’s Failed Coup [Sui & Tang]

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    Juan

    This article recounts the Sweet Dew Incident, a failed coup by Emperor Wenzong of Tang against powerful eunuchs. After a previous plot collapsed, the emperor plotted with Li Xun and Zheng Zhu, using a fake “sweet dew” omen to trap eunuchs. Eunuch leader Qiu Shiliang saw through the ruse, seized the emperor, and massacred…