SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Confucius

  • The Reign of Shi & Zhang: A Tale of Two Empires [Song & Yuan]

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    Juan

    This article covers the rule of Jin’s Emperors Shizong and Zhangzong, alongside Southern Song’s political shifts. After Hailing Wang’s failed invasion, Shizong stabilized the Jin with Sinicized reforms. Song’s Xiaozong honored Yue Fei and launched a northern expedition. The two empires reached a long peace, with Jin flourishing as a model of enlightened governance.

  • Laozi Li Er [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    Laozi, named Li Er with the courtesy name Boyang, was a native of the State of Chen.

  • On Teachers

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    Ana

    – By Han Yu (Tang Dynasty) In ancient times, those who pursued learning always had teachers.A teacher is one who transmits the Way (Dao), imparts knowledge of the classics, and resolves doubts.

  • Bi Gan

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    Ana

    Bi Gan (c. 11th century BCE) was a prominent royal kinsman and high minister during the late Shang dynasty, traditionally regarded as King Zhou of Shang’s uncle (some sources say half-brother). He served as Shaoshi—a position akin to prime minister—and was renowned for his unwavering loyalty, integrity, and fearless remonstrance.

  • The Virtuous Reign of Emperor Wen of Sui [Sui & Tang]

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    Juan

    This article reviews Emperor Wen of Sui’s enlightened reign. He built Daxing as the new capital, reformed land and census systems, and established charity granaries for famine relief. He pioneered the imperial examination and the Three Departments and Six Ministries structure. His virtuous governance unified China and laid a solid foundation for prosperity.

  • The Emperor Who Became a Monk: Emperor Wu of Liang [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

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    Juan

    This article tells the story of Emperor Wu of Liang, a devout Buddhist ruler who repeatedly became a monk and required huge ransoms to return to the throne. He built hundreds of temples but neglected national defense. His extreme piety drained the treasury and left the realm vulnerable, leading to his tragic death in…

  • The West Lodge Debates [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

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    Juan

    This article covers the West Lodge Debates under Southern Qi. Prince Xiao Ziliang hosted a scholarly circle including Zu Chongzhi, who calculated pi precisely. Skeptic Fan Zhen challenged Buddhist karma with On the Annihilation of the Spirit, sparking a landmark faith–reason clash. It captures a rare golden age of southern culture and thought.

  • Preface to Biographies of High-Minded Scholars

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    Ana

    Confucius said, “When the hidden virtuous are elevated, the hearts of all people under heaven turn to them.” Mr. Hongya established lofty principles in the age of the Sovereigns of High Antiquity; Xu You and Shan Juan did not lower their integrity during the reigns of Tang and Yu. Therefore, the I Ching contains…

  • The Dream That Brought Buddhism to China [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    This article recounts how Emperor Ming’s golden-man dream brought Buddhism to China. Envoys traveled west, returning with scriptures and monks. The White Horse Temple was founded as China’s first Buddhist temple. Though early faith sparked political scandal, Buddhism took root and shaped Chinese culture forever.