SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Chongzhen

  • Divide the United Enemy: Chen Ping’s Alienation Stratagem

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    Rob

    Among the Twelve Deceptive Stratagems recorded in The Art of War · Initial Estimations, Sun Tzu put forward a lethal psychological warfare tactic: Divide the united enemy (親而離之).

  • The Tragedy of Meishan [Ming]

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    Juan

    This article tells the tragic end of the Ming Dynasty. The Qing rose in the northeast, while Li Zicheng’s rebel army marched on Beijing. Chongzhen Emperor hanged himself at Meishan. Li briefly ruled Beijing but lost support. Wu Sangui allied with the Qing, who defeated Li and seized the capital, founding the Qing Dynasty.

  • The Peasant Uprisings that Toppled the Ming [Ming]

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    Juan

    This article covers the peasant uprisings that ended the Ming Dynasty. Plagued by famine and heavy taxes, rebels led by Gao Yingxiang, Li Zicheng, and Zhang Xianzhong rose up. Li Zicheng adopted popular policies, grew his army, and founded the Shun regime, marching toward Beijing to topple the Ming.

  • The Lone Sentinel of Ningyuan: Yuan Chonghuan [Ming]

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    Juan

    This article tells how Yuan Chonghuan defended Ming against the rising Jurchen Later Jin. After Ming’s heavy defeat at Sarhu, Yuan fortified Ningyuan with Western cannons and defeated Nurhaci, who died soon after. He also repelled Hong Taiji at Ning-Jin. Despite victories, court intrigue forced his temporary resignation.

  • The Uprising in Suzhou [Ming]

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    Juan

    This article records the Suzhou Uprising against Wei Zhongxian’s tyranny. Locals revolted to protect upright official Zhou Shunchang from arrest by the Eastern Depot. Five citizens surrendered to save the city and were martyred. Later, the Chongzhen Emperor toppled Wei, and the five were honored as symbols of justice.