Spring & Autumn

  • Three Beloved Disciples of Confucius

    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.

  • The Tian Clan’s usurpation of Qi [Spring & Autumn]

    Brief: This article details the Tian Clan’s usurpation of the Qi state, a pivotal event marking the transition from the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States era. It traces the Tian clan’s origins from Prince Chen Wan of Chen to their rise in Qi, where they gained immense popularity by lending grain…

  • From humiliation to hegemony: The rise of Goujian [Spring & Autumn]

    Introduction: This article chronicles the legendary rise of King Goujian of Yue, the last hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period. It details his strategy of enduring humiliation after defeat, including his captivity in Wu and his subsequent use of statecraft to destroy his rival. The narrative highlights key tactics like the “Poisoned Grain”…

  • Sleeping on Brushwood, Tasting Gall [Spring & Autumn]

    Introduction: This article delves into the legendary discipline of King Goujian of Yue following his defeat by the State of Wu in 494 BCE. It details how Goujian endured three years of captivity before returning home to implement a rigorous strategy of national revival. To ensure he never forgot his humiliation, he famously “Slept…

  • The Stone Hut and the Horse Keeper [Spring & Autumn]

    Introduction: This article narrates King Goujian of Yue’s harrowing years of captivity in the State of Wu. Following his defeat at Lake Tai, Goujian was forced to live in a stone hut near King Helü’s tomb, enduring the humiliating role of a horse keeper. It details his strategy of deception, where he served King…

  • The Rise and Fall of Confucius’ political career [Spring & Autumn]

    Brief: This article details the brief political zenith and subsequent exile of Confucius. It recounts how, between 501–497 BCE, he rose to become acting Prime Minister of Lu, implementing a unique blend of ritual propriety and rule of law that transformed the state into a near-utopia. However, fearing Lu’s revival, the rival state of…

  • The Jia Valley Summit: Confucius’ diplomatic triumph [Spring & Autumn]

    Brief: This article recounts the Jia Valley Summit of 500 BCE, a pivotal moment in Confucius’s political career. Serving as Minister of Justice for the State of Lu, Confucius accompanied Duke Ding to meet Duke Jing of Qi. Anticipating treachery, he prepared a hidden military force. When Qi attempted to humiliate Lu with “barbarian”…

  • The making of a sage: Confucius [Spring & Autumn]

    Brief: This article traces the formative years of Confucius, detailing his journey from a humble birth to a renowned sage. It recounts his early tragedies, including the loss of his father at age three and his mother at seventeen, which instilled a deep devotion to filial piety. The narrative highlights his resilience against social…

  • Wu Zixu’s Vengeance [Spring & Autumn]

    Brief: This article explores the tragic campaign of Wu Zixu against the State of Chu in 506 BCE. It details the brilliant military strategy of Sun Tzu that led to the capture of Ying, the Chu capital. The narrative focuses on Wu Zixu’s obsessive quest for vengeance against King Ping, culminating in the desecration…