Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BCE) was a statesman and poet of the Warring States period, hailing from the state of Chu. His given name was Ping, and his courtesy name was Yuan. Born into the Chu aristocracy, he initially enjoyed the deep trust of King Huai of Chu and held key offices such as…
The Goddess of Wu Mountain, according to myth and legend, was the daughter of the Yan Emperor—or, in some versions, the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor – named Yao Ji. She died before ever marrying and was buried on the southern slope of Wu Mountain.
This article narrates the life and tragic death of Qu Yuan. It details his loyalty to the State of Chu and his futile efforts to warn the king against the treacherous state of Qin. When his warnings were ignored, he was exiled to Xiangnan. Finally, upon hearing of Qin’s capture of Chu’s capital in…
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…
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.…