Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article profiles Ji Kang, a bold scholar of the Three Kingdoms era. As one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, he openly defied Sima Zhao’s regime by forging iron and refusing office. His critical letter and defense of a friend led to his execution. Before death, he played Guangling San, becoming an…
This article tells Zhuge Ke’s tragic rise and fall. As regent of Eastern Wu, he launched a disastrous northern campaign against Wei. His arrogance and tyranny turned allies into enemies. Sun Jun plotted against him and lured him to a fatal banquet. Zhuge Ke was killed, ending his turbulent regency.
This article narrates Sima Yi’s legendary coup. Faking frailty to lull Cao Shuang, he seized control during the Gaopingling ceremony in 249 AD. He tricked Cao Shuang into surrender with false clemency, then eliminated him. The coup shifted power from the Cao clan to the Sima family, reshaping the Three Kingdoms.
This article depicts Zhuge Liang’s last Northern Expedition in 234 AD. Stationed at Wuzhangyuan, he farmed for supplies and invented transport tools to end shortages. He taunted Sima Yi to fight, but overwork killed him at 54. His final stratagem let Shu retreat safely, closing a heroic era.
This article tells the Battle of Shiting. Zhou Fang of Eastern Wu feigned defection to lure Cao Xiu’s Wei army into a trap. At Shiting, Lu Xun’s three‑pronged ambush crushed Wei’s forces. Cao Xiu escaped but died of humiliation. The victory secured Wu’s southern defense for years.
This article tells of Zhuge Liang’s first Northern Expedition. He won early victories and recruited Jiang Wei, but Ma Su’s blunder lost Jieting. Though grieved, Zhuge punished Ma Su, took full blame, and requested demotion. His integrity and accountability became a timeless model of leadership.
This article tells Zhuge Liang’s legendary southern campaign to pacify Nanzhong. Following the “win hearts” strategy, he captured and released Meng Huo seven times. Finally subdued, Meng Huo swore lifelong loyalty. This wisdom secured Shu’s southern border, clearing the way for Zhuge’s Northern Expeditions.
This article recounts the Battle of Yiling. Grieved by Guan Yu’s death, Liu Bei ignored advice to attack Wu. Lu Xun waited patiently, then launched a devastating fire attack, destroying Shu’s army. Liu Bei fled to Baidicheng (Baidi City), fell ill, and entrusted his kingdom to Zhuge Liang.
This article tells the rivalry between Cao Pi and Cao Zhi after Cao Cao’s death. Cao Zhi’s talent lost to Cao Pi’s prudence. To eliminate his brother, Cao Pi forced him to write a poem within seven steps. The heartfelt Boiling Beans with Beanstalks moved Cao Pi to spare him. Later, Cao Pi founded the Cao…