Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article chronicles Liu Bei’s tumultuous years of exile following his escape from Cao Cao. It details his flight to Yuan Shao after the “Girdle Edict” conspiracy was exposed, highlighting the precariousness of his position. The narrative focuses on key events like Guan Yu’s temporary surrender and his slaying of Yuan Shao’s general Yan…
This article explores Liu Bei’s most perilous period of concealment in Xuchang (196–199 CE). After losing Xu Province to Lü Bu, Liu Bei became a nominal vassal of Cao Cao, masking his royal ambitions by posing as a humble gardener. The narrative details the high-stakes political intrigue, including the secret “Girdle Edict” conspiracy to…
This article chronicles the humble origins and rise of Liu Bei, founder of the Shu Han kingdom. Unlike Cao Cao or Sun Quan, Liu Bei began as a poor mat-weaver, relying on his imperial lineage for legitimacy and his personal virtues for survival. It details his early struggles, from fighting in the Yellow Turban…
This article recounts the dramatic power struggles involving the warlord Lü Bu. It details how he seized Xu Province from Liu Bei after being bribed by Yuan Shu, only to betray Yuan Shu when the rewards were delayed. The narrative highlights the legendary “Arrow at the Gate” incident, where Lü Bu used a miraculous…
This article details the meteoric rise of Sun Ce, the “Little Conqueror” of the Three Kingdoms era. It recounts his journey from a vassal of the treacherous warlord Yuan Shu to the undisputed ruler of Jiangdong (the southeast). The narrative highlights Sun Ce’s legendary personal combat, particularly his fierce duel with the warrior Taishi…
This article details the dramatic ascent of Cao Cao from a minor administrator to the de facto ruler of Northern China. It recounts the chaotic aftermath of Dong Zhuo’s death, where the Han Emperor Xian was left starving amidst ruins. Recognizing the opportunity, Cao Cao executed his famous strategy of “Holding the Emperor to…
This article details the violent downfall of the tyrant Dong Zhuo and the subsequent chaos that consumed the Han court. It recounts how Minister Wang Yun masterminded a conspiracy, manipulating the volatile relationship between Dong Zhuo and his foster son, the mighty warrior Lü Bu. The narrative culminates in the assassination within Weiyang Palace,…
This article analyzes the rapid disintegration of the coalition against Dong Zhuo in 190 CE. It details how the initial unity of thirteen warlords at Suanzao crumbled under the weight of military defeats, dwindling supplies, and internal rivalries. While Dong Zhuo burned Luoyang and retreated to Chang’an, the coalition failed to mount a decisive…
This article details the violent rise of Dong Zhuo, the tyrant who ignited the Three Kingdoms era. It recounts how the ambitious frontier general exploited the power vacuum in Luoyang following the death of Emperor Ling. Through a combination of military deception and brute force, Dong Zhuo intercepted the fleeing imperial party, deposed Emperor…