SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Rise of the Lulin Heroes [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    In 9 CE, Wang Mang, a former minister of the Han dynasty, usurped the throne and declared the establishment of the “Xin” dynasty. Obsessed with antiquity, he sought to restore the institutions of the ancient Zhou dynasty, believing that older systems were inherently superior to those of the Qin and Han. Rather than advancing…

  • The Usurper’s Mask: Wang Mang [Western Han]

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    Juan

    The Virtuous Outsider in a Corrupt Clan Wang Zhengjun, Empress Dowager of the Western Han, had eight brothers. Her eldest, Wang Feng, rose to become Grand Marshal and Commander-in-Chief, wielding supreme power. His siblings and nephews grew notoriously arrogant and extravagant – except one. Wang Mang, son of the early-deceased Wang Man (her second…

  • Beyond the Frontier: Wang Zhaojun [Western Han]

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    Juan

    A New Emperor, A Fractured Steppe When Emperor Zhao of Han died childless in 74 BCE, the court faced a succession crisis. Regent Huo Guang first installed Liu He, King of Changyi, but deposed him after just 27 days – accused of committing 1,127 improper acts, from debauchery to neglect of ritual.

  • The Loyal Regent: Huo Guang [Western Han]

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    Juan

    A Child Emperor, a Steadfast Guardian Though only eight years old when he ascended the throne in 87 BCE, Emperor Zhao of Han proved remarkably wise. Under the regency of Huo Guang – half-brother of the legendary general Huo Qubing and a trusted regent (minister entrusted with the orphaned heir) – the young emperor…

  • The Hero’s Homecoming: Su Wu’s Return [Western Han]

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    Juan

    The Bare Staff of Loyalty Year after year, Su Wu tended his sheep on the desolate shores of Beihai (Lake Baikal). Nineteen winters had passed since his exile began. The once-proud imperial staff – the symbol of his mission as Han envoy – had long lost its silk tassels. Yet Su Wu clutched the…

  • Su Wu’s Nineteen-Year Vigil in the Frozen North [Western Han]

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    Juan

    A Fragile Peace, A Fateful Mission After their crushing defeats by Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, the Xiongnu retreated beyond the Gobi Desert. For years, they pretended to seek peace – sending envoys to Chang’an while secretly rebuilding their armies. Both sides routinely detained each other’s diplomats: over a dozen Han envoys had been…