This entry explains idiom “Cang hai sang tian” from Ge Hong’s Biographies of Immortals. Drawing on Maggu’s tale, it depicts immense long‑term transformations, stressing impermanence of circumstances and worldly fortunes.
The early stages of the Three Kingdoms period were marked by intense political upheaval and military conflict, largely triggered by the actions – or misdeeds – of Dong Zhuo, a powerful warlord who rose to prominence after suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Possessing the largest army and commanding numerous renowned generals, Dong Zhuo held…