SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Luoyang

  • Unbending Justice and the Virtues of Restraint: The Legacy of Emperor Guangwu [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    This article honors Emperor Guangwu’s legacy of justice and restraint. After unifying Eastern Han, he disbanded armies, upheld the law fearlessly – praising officials like the “Iron-Necked Magistrate” who dared defy nobles – and handled royal succession with wisdom. His rule brought peace and renewal, shaping the dynasty’s early prosperity.

  • The Seizure of Two Capitals: Chang’an and Luoyang [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    This article recounts the fall of the Gengshi regime and the rise of Emperor Guangwu. The Red Eyebrows rebels seized Chang’an and installed a puppet emperor. Meanwhile, Guangwu captured Luoyang and established the Eastern Han. His generals Deng Yu and Feng Yi defeated the rebels, unifying the two capitals and laying the foundation for…

  • The Fall of the Golden Throne [Eastern Han]

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    Juan

    This article depicts the fall of Wang Mang’s Xin Dynasty. Rebels stormed Chang’an, set fire to Weiyang Palace, and killed Wang Mang at Gradual Terrace. Amid chaos, Liu Xuan became a puppet emperor, while Liu Xiu, aided by loyal Feng Yi, quietly built his strength to restore the Han Dynasty.

  • From Court Chaos to the Lü Clan Purge in Early Han [Western Han]

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    Juan

    This article traces early Han from court chaos to the Lü Clan purge. Emperor Gaozu established rituals to restore order, but after his death, Empress Lü seized power and promoted her clan. Following her death, loyalists overthrew the Lü family and installed Emperor Wen, reviving the Liu dynasty and ushering in stability.

  • From Conquest to Crown: The Calculated Rise of Emperor Gaozu [Western Han]

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    Juan

    This article follows Liu Bang’s rise from conqueror to Emperor Gaozu, founder of the Western Han. After defeating Xiang Yu, he secured power by curbing Han Xin, moved the capital to Chang’an for safety, and stabilized the realm. Though he unified China, fresh threats from feudal lords and the Xiongnu lay ahead.

  • White Horse Temple

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    Juan

    The White Horse Temple (Baima temple) is China’s first Buddhist monastery, located east of present-day Luoyang, Henan Province. It was originally built in the eleventh year of Yongping (68 CE) during the Eastern Han dynasty. Historical texts such as the Commentary on the Water Classic (Shuijing Zhu), A Record of Buddhist Monasteries in Luoyang…

  • Bai Juyi

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    Juan

    Bai Juyi (772–846 CE) was a renowned poet of the Tang dynasty, with the courtesy name Letian. His ancestral home was Taiyuan (in present-day Shanxi), but his family later moved to Xiagui (modern-day Weinan, Shaanxi). 

  • An Lushan Rebellion

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    Juan

    The rebellion,An Lushan-Shi Siming Rebellion, launched by An Lushan and Shi Siming during the Tang dynasty, also known as the Tianbao Rebellion. 

  • Farewell to Xin Jian at Lotus Tower [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Wang Changling A cold rain dissolved in East Stream invades the night; At dawn you’ll leave the lonely Southern hills in haze. If my friends in the North should ask if I’m all right, Tell them I’m free from blame as ice in crystal vase.