SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Emperor Xian

  • Book of the Later Han – Hou Hanshu

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    Ana

    A historical text compiled by Fan Ye (398–445 CE) during the Liu Song dynasty of the Southern Dynasties period. The work originally comprised 100 scrolls of Annals (Benji) and Biographies (Liezhuan), but the present standard edition contains 120 scrolls: 10 Annals, 80 Biographies, and 30 Treatises (Zhi).

  • Liu Bei’s life of wandering and hardship [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This article chronicles Liu Bei’s tumultuous years of exile following his escape from Cao Cao. It details his flight to Yuan Shao after the “Girdle Edict” conspiracy was exposed, highlighting the precariousness of his position. The narrative focuses on key events like Guan Yu’s temporary surrender and his slaying of Yuan Shao’s general…

  • The Hidden Dragon in Xuchang [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This article explores Liu Bei’s most perilous period of concealment in Xuchang (196–199 CE). After losing Xu Province to Lü Bu, Liu Bei became a nominal vassal of Cao Cao, masking his royal ambitions by posing as a humble gardener. The narrative details the high-stakes political intrigue, including the secret “Girdle Edict” conspiracy…

  • Rise of Cao Cao [Three Kingdoms]

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    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 fall and aftermath of a tyrant [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article details the violent downfall of the tyrant Dong Zhuo and the subsequent chaos that consumed the Han court. It recounts how Minister Wang Yun masterminded a conspiracy, manipulating the volatile relationship between Dong Zhuo and his foster son, the mighty warrior Lü Bu. The narrative culminates in the assassination within Weiyang…

  • The Tyrant’s Ascent [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article details the violent rise of Dong Zhuo, the tyrant who ignited the Three Kingdoms era. It recounts how the ambitious frontier general exploited the power vacuum in Luoyang following the death of Emperor Ling. Through a combination of military deception and brute force, Dong Zhuo intercepted the fleeing imperial party, deposed…

  • 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 hidden politics behind Sun Ce’s execution of Xu Gong [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    The assassination of Sun Ce, the “Little Conqueror” of Jiangdong, is often attributed to a simple act of vengeance: his killing of Xu Gong, the former Administrator of Wu Commandery, led to retaliation by Xu’s loyal retainers.

  • Was Liu Bei’s imperial lineage fabricated? [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    The question of whether Liu Bei’s claim to Han imperial descent was genuine has intrigued skeptics for centuries. While popular culture sometimes casts doubt on his royal status—suggesting it was a convenient fabrication—both historical evidence and sociopolitical logic strongly support its authenticity.