SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Lu Xun

  • Shenguai Fiction

    •

    Ana

    Shenguai Fiction (“Tales of Gods and Strange Beings”) is a genre of classical Chinese fiction named for its focus on supernatural, divine, and monstrous themes. It is also commonly referred to as “shenmo xiaoshuo” (“gods-and-demons fiction”).

  • The Twenty-Four Friends [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    •

    Juan

    Brief: This article profiles the Twenty-Four Friends, a literary circle around Jia Mi in late Western Jin. It features talents like Pan Yue, Lu Ji, Shi Chong, and Zuo Si. Most sought power and perished in court bloodshed; only Zuo Si retired in peace and Liu Kun redeemed himself as a patriot. Their fates…

  • Records of the Grand Historian – Shiji

    •

    Ana

    Originally titled Taishi Gong Shu (“Book of the Grand Historian”), the Shiji was compiled by Sima Qian (c. 145–c. 86 BCE) during the Western Han dynasty. It is China’s first comprehensive biographical universal history (jizhuanti tongshi), covering approximately three millennia – from the legendary Yellow Emperor to the reign of Emperor Wu of Han…

  • Sima Qian

    •

    Juan

    Sima Qian (c. 145 or 135 BCE – ?) was a preeminent historian and literary figure of the Western Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Zichang, and he was born in Xiayang (south of present-day Hancheng, Shaanxi). He was the son of Sima Tan, the Grand Historian (Taishi) of Emperor Wu’s court.

  • The iron-striking scholar: Ji Kang [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Rob

    Brief: This article profiles Ji Kang, a bold scholar of the Three Kingdoms era. As one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, he openly defied Sima Zhao’s regime by forging iron and refusing office. His critical letter and defense of a friend led to his execution. Before death, he played Guangling San, becoming…

  • The Stone Pavilion Trap [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Rob

    Introduction: This article tells the Battle of Shiting. Zhou Fang of Eastern Wu feigned defection to lure Cao Xiu’s Wei army into a trap. At Shiting, Lu Xun’s three‑pronged ambush crushed Wei’s forces. Cao Xiu escaped but died of humiliation. The victory secured Wu’s southern defense for years.

  • The Flames of Yiling [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Brief: This article recounts the Battle of Yiling. Grieved by Guan Yu’s death, Liu Bei ignored advice to attack Wu. Lu Xun waited patiently, then launched a devastating fire attack, destroying Shu’s army. Liu Bei fled to Baidicheng (Baidi City), fell ill, and entrusted his kingdom to Zhuge Liang.

  • A treacherous stroke in White Robes [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Was Lü Meng’s capture of Jing Province in AD 219 a betrayal of an ally? Some people argue that the Sun–Liu alliance effectively collapsed after the Xiang River Partition (circa AD 215), when Liu Bei and Sun Quan divided Jing Province along the Xiang River. However, primary sources from the Records of the Three…

  • Lü Meng’s stealth campaign crossing the Yangtze River [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Juan

    Introduction: This article narrates Lü Meng’s stealthy conquest of Jingzhou. He feigned illness to lull Guan Yu, then used the “White‑Robed Crossing” to seize Guan’s rear bases. Lü Meng won local hearts, collapsing Guan Yu’s army. Trapped and defeated, Guan Yu was captured and killed, shattering the Sun‑Liu alliance.