SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

ancient China

  • Art of War – Chapter 1.3

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    Sun Tzu elaborates on the five core war factors: unity of will, weather, terrain, generals’ five virtues and military rules. He stresses that commanders who fully grasp these principles will gain victory in battles.

  • Art of War – Chapter 1.1

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    This excerpt from The Art of War features Sun Tzu’s core viewpoint. He stresses war is crucial to a state, concerning people’s lives and national survival. Thus, leaders must deliberate thoroughly before waging any war.

  • Art of War – Chapter 1.2

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    Sun Tzu puts forward five key elements to assess warfare: morality, heaven, earth, commandership and discipline. Leaders should compare both sides’ strengths based on these factors to fully analyze the real situation before battles.

  • Duke Huan of Qi

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    Duke Huan of Qi was one of the most famous overlords in China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). He became the ruler of the State of Qi at a young age. He was open‑minded and willing to accept good advice. He appointed a wise prime minister named Guan Zhong and trusted him fully.…

  • Preface to Biographies of High-Minded Scholars

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    Confucius said, “When the hidden virtuous are elevated, the hearts of all people under heaven turn to them.” Mr. Hongya established lofty principles in the age of the Sovereigns of High Antiquity; Xu You and Shan Juan did not lower their integrity during the reigns of Tang and Yu. Therefore, the I Ching contains…

  • Mencius’ Mother’s Three Relocations [Warring States]

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    In ancient China, during the turbulent Warring States period (5th–3rd century BCE), a young boy named Meng Ke – later known to history as Mencius, the great Confucian philosopher – grew up under the devoted care of his widowed mother, Lady Zhang. With no father and little money, their life was humble. But what…

  • The River God’s bride [Warring States]

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    This article recounts the legendary confrontation between Ximen Bao, a magistrate of the Wei state during the Warring States period, and a cruel local cult. It details how corrupt officials and a witch exploited the people’s fear of the River Zhang, demanding a “River God’s bride” annually to prevent floods. Ximen Bao exposed the…

  • The Price of a Smile [Spring & Autumn]

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    This article recounts the tragic downfall of the Western Zhou Dynasty through the story of King You. It details how the king, obsessed with the melancholic beauty Bao Si, offered a thousand jin of gold to anyone who could make her smile. The narrative focuses on the treacherous advisor Guo Shifu, who suggested lighting…

  • Why the Eastern Han Dynasty chose a new capital? [Three Kingdoms]

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    In Chapter 6 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Yuan Shao organizes an alliance of 18 warlords to jointly attack Dong Zhuo. The coalition’s forces vastly outnumbered Dong Zhuo’s garrison in Luoyang, and generals like Sun Jian posed a significant threat. Consequently, Dong Zhuo chose to burn down the current capital, Luoyang, and relocate…