SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Altan Khan

  • The Han-Mongol Trade and the Rise of Zhang Juzheng [Ming]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article tells how Zhang Juzheng rose to power in the Ming Dynasty. He ended decades of war by negotiating Han‑Mongol border trade using Altan Khan’s grandson as a diplomatic key. He also appointed top generals like Qi Jiguang to secure borders. Meanwhile, Hai Rui enforced land justice but was dismissed. The Longqing…

  • The Coffin Memorial: Courage Against the Jiajing Emperor [Ming]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article tells the story of Ming officials’ bravery against tyranny. Shen Lian and Yang Jisheng risked their lives to impeach the corrupt Yan Song, and were martyred. Hai Rui bought a coffin and directly criticized the Jiajing Emperor’s neglect of state affairs. Finally, the Yan clan fell, and the Longqing Emperor reversed…

  • The Palace Intrigues and the Rise of Yan Song [Ming]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article recounts the Jiajing Emperor’s long reign. He won the Great Rites Controversy, crushed official dissent, and became obsessed with Taoism. A palace maid assassination attempt left him reclusive. Yan Song rose by writing divine prayers, seized power, and ruled corruptly for 20 years, while Mongol raids and Wokou pirates threatened the…