SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Chen Gong

  • The rise of Liu Bei [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Introduction: This article chronicles the humble origins and rise of Liu Bei, founder of the Shu Han kingdom. Unlike Cao Cao or Sun Quan, Liu Bei began as a poor mat-weaver, relying on his imperial lineage for legitimacy and his personal virtues for survival. It details his early struggles, from fighting in the Yellow…

  • The Arrow at the Gate [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Brief: This article recounts the dramatic power struggles involving the warlord Lü Bu. It details how he seized Xu Province from Liu Bei after being bribed by Yuan Shu, only to betray Yuan Shu when the rewards were delayed. The narrative highlights the legendary “Arrow at the Gate” incident, where Lü Bu used a…

  • Rise of Cao Cao [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Brief: This article details the dramatic ascent of Cao Cao from a minor administrator to the de facto ruler of Northern China. It recounts the chaotic aftermath of Dong Zhuo’s death, where the Han Emperor Xian was left starving amidst ruins. Recognizing the opportunity, Cao Cao executed his famous strategy of “Holding the Emperor…

  • The collapse of the coalition against Dong Zhuo [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Introduction: This article analyzes the rapid disintegration of the coalition against Dong Zhuo in 190 CE. It details how the initial unity of thirteen warlords at Suanzao crumbled under the weight of military defeats, dwindling supplies, and internal rivalries. While Dong Zhuo burned Luoyang and retreated to Chang’an, the coalition failed to mount a…

  • Why Sun Ce should not kill Yu Ji? [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Sun Ce’s execution of the revered Daoist healer Yu Ji is often remembered in Romance of the Three Kingdoms as a tale of supernatural retribution—but historically, it was a grave political miscalculation rooted in impulsiveness, insecurity, and a failure to understand soft power. Far from eliminating a threat, Sun Ce’s public killing of Yu…

  • Lü Boshe Incident between History and Fiction [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Rob

    Luo Guanzhong, author of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, crafted a dramatic “assassination attempt against Dong Zhuo” specifically to highlight Cao Cao’s boldness, cunning, and adaptability. Although unsuccessful, Cao Cao’s spirit in attempting to eliminate a traitor for the nation is highly commendable.

  • Chapter 19. The Fall of Lü Bu [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Rob

    Chapter 19 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms delivers one of the most dramatic and symbolically rich episodes in the entire saga—the fall of Lü Bu, the peerless warrior whose unmatched martial prowess was ultimately undone by personal flaws, betrayal, and superior strategy. As Cao Cao closes in on his most dangerous rival, the…

  • Chapter 10. The Uprising in the West and the Revenge in the East [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Rob

    Chapter 10 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms unfolds against a backdrop of escalating chaos following the collapse of central authority in Chang’an.

  • Chapter 4. Cao Cao’s Attempted Assassination [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Rob

    In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Dong Zhuo wielded overwhelming power, deposing the young Emperor Liu Bian and installing Liu Xie as emperor, revealing his boundless ambition. This section delves into the fourth chapter of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, exploring the thrilling story of Cao Cao presenting a dagger as part of an…