SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Parthia

  • “Heaven Knows, Earth Knows”: Integrity and Downfall in the Court [Eastern Han]

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    This article tells Eastern Han’s tragic tale of integrity amid decline. It features Ban Chao’s frontier service, Cai Lun’s paper invention, and Yang Zhen’s famous “Heaven knows, earth knows” stand against bribery. After Empress Deng’s death, corrupt eunuchs and clans seized power, executing upright officials and dooming the dynasty.

  • The Silk Road Pioneer: Zhang Qian [Western Han]

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    This article honors Zhang Qian, the Silk Road pioneer. Sent by Emperor Wu to ally with the Yuezhi against the Xiongnu, he endured 13 years of captivity and hardship. Though he failed to form the alliance, his explorations opened Central Asia to China, laying the groundwork for the legendary Silk Road.