SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Book of Jin

  • Wén Jī Qǐ Wǔ (闻鸡起舞)

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    Ana

    Basic Info Chinese Idiom: 闻鸡起舞Pinyin: wén jī qǐ wǔLiteral meaning: Rise to practice sword-dancing upon hearing roosters crow.Extended meaning: Ambitious people seize every moment to strive hard and temper themselves for lofty goals. Cultural Supplement This idiom comes from a famous inspirational historical story, Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition, in ancient China. It has always…

  • Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition

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    Ana

    Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition (313–321 CE) refers to the military campaign led by the Eastern Jin general Zu Ti across the Yangtze River to recover the Central Plains from non-Han regimes following the collapse of the Western Jin.

  • Zu Ti

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    Ana

    Zu Ti (266–321 CE) was a celebrated general of the Eastern Jin dynasty. His courtesy name was Shizhi, and he was a native of Qiu County, Fanyang Commandery (in present-day Laishui, Hebei).

  • When victory breeds doom [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    This article recounts the fall of Shu Han and the tragic fates of Deng Ai, Zhong Hui, and Jiang Wei. After Deng Ai’s daring strike conquered Chengdu, his arrogance sparked rivalry. Jiang Wei plotted to restore Shu by inciting Zhong Hui’s rebellion. All three perished in chaos, while Liu Shan’s contented captivity became a…

  • The feigned illness and Sima Yi’s coup [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    This article narrates Sima Yi’s legendary coup. Faking frailty to lull Cao Shuang, he seized control during the Gaopingling ceremony in 249 AD. He tricked Cao Shuang into surrender with false clemency, then eliminated him. The coup shifted power from the Cao clan to the Sima family, reshaping the Three Kingdoms.