Li Mi

  • Unifying the Realm: The Campaigns of the Early Tang [Sui & Tang]

    This article chronicles early Tang’s unification campaigns. Led by Li Shimin, Tang forces defeated warlords Xue Ju, Liu Wuzhou, Li Mi, Wang Shichong, and Dou Jiande. It also covers the pacification of the south, unifying China after long chaos. These victories laid the foundation for the Tang golden age.

  • The Founding of the Tang: Li Yuan’s Rise to Power [Sui & Tang]

    This article tells the founding of the Tang Dynasty by Li Yuan. Amid Sui’s collapse, Li Yuan plotted a revolt in Taiyuan, outwitted Li Mi to seize Chang’an, and installed a puppet emperor. After Emperor Yang’s assassination, Li Yuan took the throne in 618, establishing Tang and ending the chaotic Sui regime.

  • The Rise and Fall of the Wagang Rebellion [Sui & Tang]

    This article traces the rise and fall of the Wagang Rebellion against the Sui Dynasty. Starting as a peasant uprising, it grew into a powerful force under Zhai Rang and Li Mi, seizing granaries and besieging Luoyang. However, internal strife and the murder of Zhai Rang split the army, leading to its collapse and…

  • Memorial of Filial Entreaty

    by Li Mi (Western Jin Dynasty) Your servant Li Mi speaks: I have suffered misfortune since birth and was early visited by sorrow. My father died when I was just six months old; at age four, my uncle forced my mother to remarry against her will. My grandmother Lady Liu, pitying my orphaned and…

  • The Rise and Fall of Confucius’ political career [Spring & Autumn]

    This article details the brief political zenith and subsequent exile of Confucius. It recounts how, between 501–497 BCE, he rose to become acting Prime Minister of Lu, implementing a unique blend of ritual propriety and rule of law that transformed the state into a near-utopia. However, fearing Lu’s revival, the rival state of Qi…

  • The Jia Valley Summit: Confucius’ diplomatic triumph [Spring & Autumn]

    This article recounts the Jia Valley Summit of 500 BCE, a pivotal moment in Confucius’s political career. Serving as Minister of Justice for the State of Lu, Confucius accompanied Duke Ding to meet Duke Jing of Qi. Anticipating treachery, he prepared a hidden military force. When Qi attempted to humiliate Lu with “barbarian” dancers…