SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Bai Juyi

  • West Lake Water Shield Soup

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    In the culinary landscape of Hangzhou – a city celebrated for its misty hills, ancient temples, and the shimmering waters of West Lake – few dishes carry as much cultural weight as West Lake Water Shield Soup (西湖莼菜汤). Known locally as “Chicken and Ham Water Shield Soup” (鸡火莼菜汤), this humble yet elegant dish is…

  • The Reformist Ambition of the Liao Empress [Song & Yuan]

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    This article explores the reformist rule of Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo of the Liao Dynasty. After Emperor Jingzong’s death, she became regent for the young Emperor Shengzong and formed a close political alliance with Han Derang. Inspired by Tang governance, they launched sweeping reforms in law, taxation, slave emancipation, and official selection. They built…

  • Liu Yuxi

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    Liu Yuxi (772–842 CE) was a prominent literatus and poet of the Tang dynasty. His courtesy name was Mengde, and he was a native of Luoyang (in present-day Henan Province).

  • The Old Charcoal Seller

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    – By Bai Juyi An old man, his face dusty and smudged with soot and ash,Burning charcoal in the Southern Mountains, his temples streaked with gray.Selling charcoal, what does he get?Just clothes for his body and food for his mouth.

  • Bai Juyi

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    Bai Juyi (772–846 CE) was a renowned poet of the Tang dynasty, with the courtesy name Letian. His ancestral home was Taiyuan (in present-day Shanxi), but his family later moved to Xiagui (modern-day Weinan, Shaanxi). 

  • Lamenting the Peony Blossoms [Tang Poems]

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    — Bai Juyi I’m saddened by the courtyard peonies brilliant red, At dusk only two of them are left on their bed. I am afraid they can’t survive the morning blast, By lantern light I take a look at the long, long last.

  • Peach Blossoms in the Temple of Great Forest [Tang Poems]

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    — Bai Juyi All flowers in late spring have fallen far and wide, But peach blossoms are full-blown on this mountainside. I oft regret spring’s gone without leaving its trace; I do not know it’s come up to adorn this place.

  • White Cloud Fountain [Tang Poems]

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    — Bai Juyi Behold the White Cloud Fountain on the Tianping Mountain! White clouds enjoy pleasure while water enjoys leisure. Why should the torrent dash down from the mountain high And overflow the human world with waves far and nigh?

  • Verses on Willow Branches [Tang Poems]

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    — Bai Juyi A tree of million branches sways in breeze of spring, More tender, more soft than golden silk string by string. But in west corner of a garden in decay, Who would come to admire its beauty all the day?