Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article tells Eastern Han’s tragic tale of integrity amid decline. It features Ban Chao’s frontier service, Cai Lun’s paper invention, and Yang Zhen’s famous “Heaven knows, earth knows” stand against bribery. After Empress Deng’s death, corrupt eunuchs and clans seized power, executing upright officials and dooming the dynasty.
This article tells Zhang Qian’s final mission to the Western Regions. After Han’s victories over the Xiongnu led by Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, Zhang was sent to ally with Wusun and other states. Though Wusun hesitated, his deputies opened ties across Central Asia, laying the foundation for the Silk Road.