SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Cao Pi

  • Cao Cao

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    Ana

    Cao Cao (155–220 CE) was a statesman, military strategist, and poet of the late Eastern Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Mengde, and his childhood nickname was Aman. He was born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery (present-day Bozhou, Anhui). At age 20, he was recommended as a “Filially Pious and Incorrupt” official and appointed…

  • The loyalty of two generations: Huang Quan and Huang Chong [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Huang Quan (courtesy name Gongheng), born in Langzhong, Baxi Commandery (modern-day Langzhong, Sichuan), stands out in the turbulent Three Kingdoms era as a rare figure whose reputation grew with every change of master. Though he served three regimes – Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, and Cao Wei – he was never branded a turncoat. Instead,…

  • The Flames of Yiling [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article recounts the Battle of Yiling. Grieved by Guan Yu’s death, Liu Bei ignored advice to attack Wu. Lu Xun waited patiently, then launched a devastating fire attack, destroying Shu’s army. Liu Bei fled to Baidicheng (Baidi City), fell ill, and entrusted his kingdom to Zhuge Liang.

  • Boiling Beans with Beanstalks [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article tells the rivalry between Cao Pi and Cao Zhi after Cao Cao’s death. Cao Zhi’s talent lost to Cao Pi’s prudence. To eliminate his brother, Cao Pi forced him to write a poem within seven steps. The heartfelt Boiling Beans with Beanstalks moved Cao Pi to spare him. Later, Cao Pi founded the…

  • Cai Mao in History and Fiction [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Luo Guanzhong invented many plot points, such as the noble sacrifice of Lady Mi, the killing of Liu Cong mentioned earlier, and Cai Mao, the protagonist of today’s article, who was also killed by Cao Cao, among others. There are quite a few similar examples.

  • Loyalty in the shadow of tyranny: The Friendship of Kong Rong and Zhi Xi [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    In 208 CE, Kong Rong – a famed scholar, descendant of Confucius, and former Governor of Beihai – was executed by Cao Cao. His crime? Repeatedly mocking Cao Cao, openly criticizing his policies, and refusing to show deference in official memorials and letters. Though ostensibly punished for “slandering the court,” his real offense lay…

  • The tragedy of Cui Yan [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    After capturing Yecheng, Cao Cao promptly executed the highly meritorious Xu You to win the hearts of the people in Jizhou (Ji Province) and secure the support of the local gentry. Simultaneously, he began seeking out influential local talents to join his ranks, aiming to consolidate his rule over Ji Province.

  • Chapter 33. The Fall of Yuan Brothers [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    In Chapter 33 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, two pivotal threads unfold in the wake of Cao Cao’s conquest of Ji Province: a dramatic personal episode involving his heir Cao Pi and the beautiful Lady Zhen, and a decisive military campaign against the last remnants of the Yuan clan in the distant northeast.

  • Why did Xun Yu choose Cao Cao? [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    The most renowned strategists of the Three Kingdoms period include core figures such as Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi, Guo Jia, Xun Yu, and Jia Xu. They were celebrated for their outstanding strategic planning, military tactics, and political acumen, playing a decisive role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Three Kingdoms.