– By Mao Zedong, April 1918 Clouds part over Heng Yue, long gloom at last dispelled,Among Tianma and Phoenix Peaks spring trees unfold.
Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BCE) was a statesman and poet of the Warring States period, hailing from the state of Chu. His given name was Ping, and his courtesy name was Yuan. Born into the Chu aristocracy, he initially enjoyed the deep trust of King Huai of Chu and held key offices such as…
— Song Zhiwen Ill, visited by none each day, I sigh for you’ll go far away. I cannot bid farewell to you. Let riverside tree say adieu! A hero may not serve till old; A poet’s drowned in river cold. The precious sword of Dragon’s Fountain Might still shine bright though in deep mountain.
Duke Ping of Lu was about to set out when his favorite courtier, Zang Cang, asked: “Usually, Your Lordship informs the officials of your destination before leaving. Now your carriage is ready, yet no one knows where you’re going. May I ask?”
This article narrates the life and tragic death of Qu Yuan. It details his loyalty to the State of Chu and his futile efforts to warn the king against the treacherous state of Qin. When his warnings were ignored, he was exiled to Xiangnan. Finally, upon hearing of Qin’s capture of Chu’s capital in…
This article narrates the tragic downfall of King Huai of Chu during the Warring States period. It details how his trust in Qin’s diplomacy led to his undoing: he was deceived by Zhang Yi over false land promises, manipulated by royal intermarriage, and finally lured into a trap at the Wuguan Summit in 299…
This article details the masterful deception of Zhang Yi, Chancellor of Qin, during the Warring States period. It recounts his infamous “Sting” against King Huai of Chu, where he falsely promised 600 li of land to break the Chu-Qi alliance, only to renege and provoke a war that cost Chu its territory and generals.…
Ma Ji, also known as Dragon Messenger, was a merchant’s son. He had striking good looks and in his untrammeled youth gave himself up to the pleasures of singing and dancing. He frequented the Pear Garden, where he amused himself in the company of the actors. Wrapping his head in a brocade turban he…
In Chapter 9 of Journey to the West, significant space is devoted to a philosophical exchange between a fisherman named Zhang Shao and a woodcutter named Li Ding.