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Confucius, ancient China’s greatest philosopher, shared profound bonds with his students, among whom Yan Hui, Zilu, and Zigong stood out as his most cherished disciples. Their stories, recorded in The Analects, reveal Confucius’ ideals of virtue, loyalty, and wisdom.
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In the twilight years of the Spring and Autumn period leading into the Warring States era, a pivotal event unfolded within the state of Qi. The aristocratic Tian clan gradually supplanted the ruling Jiang lineage, culminating in their establishment as the new sovereign house. This transition marked not only the end of one era…
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In 494 BC, the State of Yue was defeated by the State of Wu. King Goujian of Yue, his wife and officials (such as Fan Li) were held as hostages in Wu state for about three years. During this time, Goujian endured the humiliation. For example, Fuchai, the king of Wu, assigned them a…
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In 494 BC, the State of Yue was defeated by the State of Wu. To preserve his kingdom, King Goujian of Yue, following the advice of his strategists, took his wife and officials (such as Fan Li) to Wu as hostages, a period that lasted about three years.
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Just as Qin and Chu prepared to counterattack, disaster struck Wu: Prince Fugai, Helü’s brother, rebelled, declared himself king, and allied with Yue state, promising five cities as reward.
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Confucius (Kong Fuzi), born Kong Qiu or Zhongni, entered the world under modest circumstances. His father, Shuliang He (Kong He, styled Shuliang), was a low-ranking military officer in the state of Lu. Already advanced in age, Shuliang He had nine daughters and one son – whose lameness disqualified him as a worthy heir.
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In 506 BCE, King Helü of Wu launched a full-scale invasion of Chu, appointing Sun Tzu as supreme commander, Wu Zixu as deputy general, and his brother Prince Fugai as vanguard.