Juan

  • Selected Works of Mao

    Selected Works of Mao Zedong (commonly abbreviated as Mao Zedong Xuanji, Selected Works of Mao or simply Selected Works) is the definitive collection of the most important writings, speeches, and directives by Mao Zedong (1893–1976), the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China and the primary theorist behind Mao Zedong Thought. As a…

  • The Yellow Robe at Chenqiao: The Birth of the Song Dynasty [Sui & Tang]

    Brief: This article narrates the founding of the Song Dynasty through the Chenqiao Mutiny. After Emperor Chai Rong of Later Zhou died young, leaving a child ruler, Zhao Kuangyin seized the chance. His soldiers placed a yellow robe on him, declaring him emperor. He took the capital peacefully, ascended the throne as Emperor Taizu,…

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

    Introduction: 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…

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

    Brief: 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…

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

    Brief: 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,…

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

    Brief: 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…

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

    Brief: 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…

  • The Pen and the Sword: Han Yu, Liu Zongyuan, and the Ancient Prose Movement [Sui & Tang]

    Brief: This article focuses on Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan, leaders of the Tang Dynasty’s Ancient Prose Movement. It covers their literary reform against flowery parallel prose, their close friendship, and their moral integrity. It also tells Han Yu’s bold protest against Buddhism that led to exile, Liu Zongyuan’s achievements in exile, and how…

  • The Snowy Night Assault on Caizhou [Sui & Tang]

    Brief: This article tells the legendary Snowy Night Assault on Caizhou during the Tang Dynasty. To suppress the Huaixi rebellion, Emperor Xianzong appointed General Li Su, who used deception to win over defectors. With Chancellor Pei Du’s support, Li Su launched a surprise attack in a blizzard, capturing rebel leader Wu Yuanji and ending the long‑standing…