SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

lord mengchang

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 32.11

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 32.11 Legalist section presents assorted historical anecdotes. It admits a ruler’s personal example has influence yet insists governance must rely on law, merit‑based rewards rather than moral posturing.

  • 鸡鸣狗盗 (jī míng gǒu dào)

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    This entry explains idiom “Ji ming gou dao”, originating from Lord Mengchang’s escape story. It refers to petty, humble tricks‑‑which may save lives in crises yet mostly carries negative connotation in modern usage.

  • 高枕无忧 (gāo zhěn wú yōu)

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    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 高枕无忧Pinyin: gāo zhěn wú yōuLiteral Meaning: Prop one’s pillow high and sleep without worry. Figurative definition Cultural & historical background This idiom comes directly from the same famous story as “狡兔三窟” (The cunning rabbit has three burrows), recorded in the Warring States Records (Zhanguoce, 《战国策》). The powerful noble Lord Mengchang…

  • The chicken-crowers and dog-thieves: Lord Mengchang [Warring States]

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    This article examines the controversial life of Lord Mengchang (Tian Wen), one of the “Four Lords” of the Warring States period. It contrasts his self-serving opportunism against the loyalty of his peers, detailing his betrayals of both Qin and his native Qi. The narrative highlights his famous escape from Qin—aided by retainers skilled in…

  • The peril of the ancestral temple in Xue [Warring States]

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    This article recounts the diplomatic rescue of Lord Mengchang’s fiefdom of Xue during the Warring States period. When the State of Chu invaded Xue, the renowned diplomat Chunyu Kun was tasked with saving it. Instead of pleading for help, Chunyu Kun used a brilliant rhetorical strategy: he convinced King Min of Qi that the…

  • Mencius – Chapter 2.16 When ritual becomes a political tool: Zang Cang vs. Mencius

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    Duke Ping of Lu was about to set out when his favorite courtier, Zang Cang, asked: “Usually, Your Lordship informs the officials of your destination before leaving. Now your carriage is ready, yet no one knows where you’re going. May I ask?”

  • Three burrows for a cunning hare: Mengchang Jun and Feng Xuan [Warring States]

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    This article retells the strategic masterpiece of Feng Xuan, a retainer of Mengchang Jun, one of the “Four Lords of the Warring States.” It details how Feng Xuan secured three “burrows” for his lord’s survival. The narrative illustrates the idiom “a cunning hare has three burrows,” highlighting the Warring States’ philosophy that political security…

  • Su Qin vs. Zhang Yi: Alliances vs. Division [Warring States]

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    This article explores the intense rivalry between the Vertical Alliance (Hezong) of Su Qin and the Horizontal Alliance (Lianheng) of Zhang Yi during the Warring States period. It details how Su Qin’s coalition of six states threatened Qin, only to be countered by Zhang Yi’s diplomatic stratagems that divided them. The narrative follows Su…

  • The Clay Idol and the Peachwood Doll

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    When Lord Mengchang decided to leave his native land – Qi state – to take office in Qin, hundreds of men tried to dissuade him from going. But he would not listen to them. Then Su Qin, the rhetorician, wanted to reason with him.