SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Han-Xiongnu relations

  • Beyond the Frontier: Wang Zhaojun [Western Han]

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    Juan

    A New Emperor, A Fractured Steppe When Emperor Zhao of Han died childless in 74 BCE, the court faced a succession crisis. Regent Huo Guang first installed Liu He, King of Changyi, but deposed him after just 27 days – accused of committing 1,127 improper acts, from debauchery to neglect of ritual.

  • The Hero’s Homecoming: Su Wu’s Return [Western Han]

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    Juan

    The Bare Staff of Loyalty Year after year, Su Wu tended his sheep on the desolate shores of Beihai (Lake Baikal). Nineteen winters had passed since his exile began. The once-proud imperial staff – the symbol of his mission as Han envoy – had long lost its silk tassels. Yet Su Wu clutched the…

  • Su Wu’s Nineteen-Year Vigil in the Frozen North [Western Han]

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    Juan

    A Fragile Peace, A Fateful Mission After their crushing defeats by Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, the Xiongnu retreated beyond the Gobi Desert. For years, they pretended to seek peace – sending envoys to Chang’an while secretly rebuilding their armies. Both sides routinely detained each other’s diplomats: over a dozen Han envoys had been…