Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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Brief: This article traces Liu Yuan’s rise from a Xiongnu hostage in Luoyang to founder of the Han Kingdom. Amid the War of the Eight Princes, he united tribes, adopted Han legitimacy, and challenged Western Jin. His bold reign launched the era of the Sixteen Kingdoms and reshaped China’s north.
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Brief: This article chronicles Eastern Han’s decline. After a eunuch coup restored Emperor Shun, eunuch clans and the Liang tyrants seized power. Zhang Gang denounced top officials as “wolves blocking the road,” yet his integrity went unrewarded. Endless tyranny and corruption fueled rebellion, dooming the dynasty.