This entry explains idiom “Ji ming gou dao”, originating from Lord Mengchang’s escape story. It refers to petty, humble tricks‑‑which may save lives in crises yet mostly carries negative connotation in modern usage.
Mohism was one of the major philosophical schools of the pre-Qin period in ancient China. It was founded by Mozi (personal name Di, also romanized as Mo Di).
Mozi is the title of the foundational text of Mohism, serving as a comprehensive compilation of writings by Mo Di‘s disciples and later followers. According to the Yiwenzhi (Treatise on Literature) in the Book of Han (Hanshu) compiled by Ban Gu in the Eastern Han dynasty, the original text comprised 71 chapters; today, 53…
Ban Biao (3–54 CE) was a prominent historian of the Eastern Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Shupi, and he was a native of Anling, Fufeng Commandery (in present-day northeastern Xianyang, Shaanxi).
Ban Zhao (c. 49–c. 120 CE) was a distinguished historian and writer of the Eastern Han dynasty. Also known by her given name Ji, with the courtesy name Huiban, she was a native of Anling, Fufeng Commandery (in present-day northeastern Xianyang, Shaanxi).
Ban Gu (32–92 CE) was a renowned historian and literary scholar of the Eastern Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Mengjian, and he was a native of Anling, Fufeng Commandery (in present-day northeastern Xianyang, Shaanxi).
This article tells Shi Le’s inspiring rise from a Jie slave to founding emperor of Later Zhao. Guided by strategist Zhang Bin, he unified northern China, governed with wisdom and mercy, and valued history despite being illiterate. His legacy proves courage and integrity can lift even the lowest‑born to greatness.
A foundational Chinese historical text compiled by Ban Gu (32–92 CE) of the Eastern Han dynasty.
This article recounts the fall of Eastern Han’s powerful Dou clan. Dou Xian seized control, murdered a royal kinsman, and grew tyrannical after defeating the Northern Xiongnu. At 14, Emperor He plotted with eunuch Zheng Zhong, staged a coup, and toppled the Dous. The purge reshaped the court and ended the clan’s tyranny.