Li Cunxu

  • The Sage in the Chaos: The Story of Feng Dao

    This article re-evaluates Feng Dao, a Five Dynasties prime minister serving nine emperors, long condemned for disloyalty. It records his benevolent deeds aiding civilians amid chaos and cites his poems revealing his pragmatic creed: focus on good deeds rather than personal fame.

  • The Son-Emperor and the Salted Corpse: The Rise of Liao and the Fall of Jin [Sui & Tang]

    This article tells the turbulent rise and fall of the Later Jin and the expansion of the Liao. It covers Shi Jingtang’s betrayal by becoming Liao’s “Son-Emperor” and ceding the Sixteen Prefectures. It also records Emperor Yelu Deguang’s invasion of the Central Plains, his rapid retreat due to popular resistance, and his bizarre death…

  • The Three Arrows of Vengeance: Li Cunxu [Sui & Tang]

    This article recounts the legendary story of Li Cunxu and the “Three Arrows of Vengeance”. It begins with the bitter feud between Li Keyong and Zhu Wen, covers the fall of the Tang Dynasty and the founding of Later Liang. On his deathbed, Li Keyong gave three arrows to his son Li Cunxu, who…