SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

moral integrity

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 21.14

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    Juan

    Han Fei tells Zi Han refused a jade gift, valuing integrity over treasure. True wealth lies in restraining desire for rare goods.

  • The Old Man on the River [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

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    Ana

    The Old Man on the River was a man from the state of Chu.

  • Bi Gan

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    Ana

    Bi Gan (c. 11th century BCE) was a prominent royal kinsman and high minister during the late Shang dynasty, traditionally regarded as King Zhou of Shang’s uncle (some sources say half-brother). He served as Shaoshi—a position akin to prime minister—and was renowned for his unwavering loyalty, integrity, and fearless remonstrance.

  • Biographies of Noble Scholars

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    Ana

    Huangfu Mi (215–282 CE), courtesy name Shi’an and courtesy title Xuan Yan Xiansheng (Master Xuan Yan), was a renowned scholar, writer, and physician in ancient China who lived through the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the Three Kingdoms Period, and the early Western Jin Dynasty. Though widely celebrated as the “father of acupuncture” for his…

  • The Hero’s Homecoming: Su Wu’s Return [Western Han]

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    Juan

    This article tells Su Wu’s legendary loyalty. Held captive by the Xiongnu for 19 years, he herded sheep clutching his imperial staff and refused to surrender. Thanks to a clever goose ruse, he finally returned home white-haired. His unbroken faith became an eternal symbol of Han integrity.

  • Su Wu’s Nineteen-Year Vigil in the Frozen North [Western Han]

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    Juan

    This article narrates Su Wu’s heroic captivity. As a Western Han envoy, he was trapped in a Xiongnu plot, refused to surrender despite torture and bribes, and was exiled to Lake Baikal to herd rams. For 19 years, he clung to his imperial staff, enduring extreme cold and hunger – an icon of unyielding…

  • 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.

  • To the Cicada [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Li Shangyin High, you can’t eat your fill; In vain you wail and trill. At dawn you hush your song; The tree is green for long. I drift as water flows; And waste my garden grows. Thank you for warning due, I am as poor as you.

  • To the Parrot [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Luo Yin Do not complain of golden cage and wings cut short; The southern land is far warmer than the northwest. Don’t clearly speak if you listen to my exhort; You will offend if clearly your complaint’s expressed.