SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Chinese literature

  • Cao Hong: The loyal guardian who saved Cao Cao twice [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Cao Hong was one of the core clan generals under Cao Cao in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, often grouped with Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, and Cao Ren as the “Four Kinship Generals of the Cao Clan.” A lifelong loyalist to Cao Cao, he was renowned for his bravery in battle and unwavering devotion…

  • About Three Kingdoms

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    Juan

    Romance of the Three Kingdoms (or simply the Three Kingdoms) is one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, authored by Luo Guanzhong during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. Its full title is Sanguozhi Tongsu Yanyi (Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms).

  • A tale of lingering fear – The Peasant

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    Ana

    “The Peasant” is a highly allegorical story in Strange Tales from Liaozhai (Liaozhai Zhiyi). Through a tale of “long-standing enmity” spanning years between a peasant and a fox demon.

  • The fox spirit’s redemption in “Yatou”

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    Ana

    “Fox Spirit – Yatou” from Strange Tales from Liaozhai, a Chinese Studio, (Liaozhai Zhiyi) is a story centered around a “human-fox romance,” interwoven with themes of resistance by marginalized women, the duality of human nature, and the capriciousness of fate.

  • The Mantis that felled the Serpent

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    Ana

    “The Mantis Seizes the Snake” is a short fable from Strange Tales from Liaozhai, a Chinese Studio, (Liaozhai Zhiyi). Through a vivid natural phenomenon, it reveals how the weak may overcome a powerful adversary through wisdom and courage. Though brief, the story carries profound symbolism.

  • The Tiger’s Redemption

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    Ana

    “The Tiger of Zhao Cheng (The Repentant Tiger)” is a story from Strange Tales from Liaozhai (Liaozhai Zhiyi), recounting a tale of filial piety, vengeance, and forgiveness. Set in Zhao Cheng, the story revolves around an elderly woman and her son.

  • Why is the author of Journey to the West unknown?

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    Juan

    Journey to the West (Xiyouji), one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, was published anonymously in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty. While Wu Cheng’en is traditionally credited as its author, the work’s true authorship remains debated and shrouded in mystery.