Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
•
Brief: This article depicts Emperor Wu’s rise and his war against the Xiongnu. Ending decades of appeasement, he empowered generals Wei Qing and Huo Qubing to strike north. With Li Guang’s defense and Zhang Qian’s diplomacy, he forged a powerful, centralized Han Empire and reshaped Sino‑nomadic relations.
•
Brief: This article traces early Han from court chaos to the Lü Clan purge. Emperor Gaozu established rituals to restore order, but after his death, Empress Lü seized power and promoted her clan. Following her death, loyalists overthrew the Lü family and installed Emperor Wen, reviving the Liu dynasty and ushering in stability.