SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Hanzhong

  • Ashes of the Palace, Seeds of Rebellion [Western Han]

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    Juan

    This article recounts Xiang Yu’s brutal entry into Xianyang: executing Ziying, massacring Qin nobles, and burning Epang Palace. He divided the empire into 18 kingdoms, exiling Liu Bang to remote Hanzhong. Liu burned gallery roads to feign submission, while Xiao He’s pursuit of Han Xin laid the groundwork for Han’s rise.

  • Zhang Liang

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    Ana

    Zhang Liang (?–189 BCE) was a prominent statesman in the early Western Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Zifang, and he was from Chengfu, Yingchuan (in present-day southwestern Xiangcheng, Henan). His ancestors were nobles of the former state of Han, with five generations serving as Han ministers. Seeking revenge for the Qin conquest of…

  • The tragedy of King Huai of Chu [Warring States]

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    Rob

    This article narrates the tragic downfall of King Huai of Chu during the Warring States period. It details how his trust in Qin’s diplomacy led to his undoing: he was deceived by Zhang Yi over false land promises, manipulated by royal intermarriage, and finally lured into a trap at the Wuguan Summit in 299…

  • The Master of Deceit: Zhang Yi [Warring States]

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    Rob

    This article details the masterful deception of Zhang Yi, Chancellor of Qin, during the Warring States period. It recounts his infamous “Sting” against King Huai of Chu, where he falsely promised 600 li of land to break the Chu-Qi alliance, only to renege and provoke a war that cost Chu its territory and generals.…

  • Zhuge Liang’s self-demotion [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    This article tells of Zhuge Liang’s first Northern Expedition. He won early victories and recruited Jiang Wei, but Ma Su’s blunder lost Jieting. Though grieved, Zhuge punished Ma Su, took full blame, and requested demotion. His integrity and accountability became a timeless model of leadership.

  • Chapter 60. Zhang Song offers the map [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    Chapter 60 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms marks a decisive turning point in the novel’s geopolitical arc. With Cao Cao dominant in the north and Sun Quan entrenched in the east, the vast, fertile province of Yizhou (modern Sichuan) becomes the final prize for aspiring hegemonies.

  • The Map Unbestowed [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    This article tells how Cao Cao lost Yizhou by rejecting Zhang Song. Insulted by Cao Cao’s arrogance and contempt, Zhang Song abandoned his plan to offer Yizhou’s secret maps. He instead persuaded Liu Zhang to invite Liu Bei, who later seized Yizhou and founded Shu Han.

  • The Battle for Hanzhong [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    This article recounts the pivotal Battle of Hanzhong during China’s Three Kingdoms period. It details how Cao Cao initially conquered the region from Zhang Lu but failed to invade Yizhou. Subsequently, Liu Bei launched a campaign to seize the strategic corridor. The narrative highlights the decisive clash at Mount Dingjun, where the veteran general…

  • How Liu Bei seized Yizhou? [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    This article details Liu Bei’s strategic conquest of Yizhou (Sichuan) in 211 CE, a critical turning point in the Three Kingdoms era. It recounts how Liu Bei, aided by the strategist Pang Tong and a conspiracy led by Zhang Song, deceived Governor Liu Zhang to gain entry. The narrative highlights the shift from political…