SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Fan Kuai

  • The Deception of Chencang [Western Han]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article tells the classic stratagem “Deceive by repairing the gallery roads, strike secretly at Chencang.” Han Xin fooled Zhang Han into fixing roads while leading Liu Bang’s main army through a hidden path. He swiftly conquered the Three Qins, seized Guanzhong, and secured a strong base for Liu Bang to fight Xiang…

  • The Hongmen Banquet [Western Han]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article depicts the pivotal Hongmen Banquet. Fearing Liu Bang’s ambition, Xiang Yu plotted to kill him. Saved by Xiang Bo’s intervention and Fan Kuai’s bold defense, Liu Bang escaped death. Xiang Yu’s hesitation let his rival live, sowing the seeds of Chu’s eventual defeat.

  • The Three Simple Laws: Liu Bang’s Mercy and the Fall of Qin [Western Han]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This article tells how Liu Bang entered Xianyang, ended the Qin Dynasty, and issued the Three Simple Laws to win popular support. In contrast, Xiang Yu massacred 200,000 Qin captives, losing hearts in Guanzhong. Liu blocked Hangu Pass, triggering a standoff that led to the pivotal Hongmen Banquet.

  • The Rising Tide: How rebellions united and fractured? [Western Han]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This article traces the anti‑Qin uprising after Chen Sheng. Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu rallied the “Eight Thousand Sons of Wu.” Liu Bang emerged as a rebel leader, joined by Zhang Liang. They restored King Huai II of Chu to unify forces. Though Xiang Liang fell, Xiang Yu and Liu Bang rose to…