SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

alliance betrayal

  • Wisdom from The Art of War Reflected in the Battle of Xiangfan

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    Rob

    This article analyzes the Battle of Xiangfan through Sun Tzu’s strategies. Sima Yi urged Cao Cao to ally with Wu, luring Sun Quan with territory to attack Guan Yu’s rear. Arrogant Guan Yu ignored hidden threats, lost Jingzhou, embodying the cost of ignoring diplomatic and deceptive warfare principles.

  • The Humiliation of Yuan Shu [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    In the turbulent final years of the Eastern Han dynasty, ambition often outpaced legitimacy. Nowhere was this more evident than in 197 AD, when the warlord Yuan Shu declared himself emperor in Shouchun, shattering any pretense of loyalty to the Han throne.