SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Records of the Three Kingdoms

  • The Princes’ Catastrophe [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This article recounts the catastrophic War of the Eight Princes. Empress Jia framed and killed Crown Prince Sima Yu, triggering a power struggle. Sima Lun seized the throne, sparking years of civil war that devastated Western Jin. The bloody infighting weakened China, opening the door to foreign invasions and long-term division.

  • Zhou Chu’s Last Stand [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This article tells the heroic tragedy of Zhou Chu. Once a local troublemaker, he reformed, slew the “three scourges,” and became a loyal Jin general. Sent to suppress a Di rebellion, he was betrayed by Prince Sima Rong—sent into battle with 5,000 men against 70,000. He fought to his last breath, a martyr…

  • Records of the Three Kingdoms – Sanguo Zhi

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    Ana

    A historical text compiled by Chen Shou (233–297 CE) during the Western Jin dynasty. It is a biographical state-by-state history chronicling the Three Kingdoms period – Wei, Shu, and Wu – and comprises 65 scrolls: Book of Wei (30 scrolls),Book of Shu (15 scrolls), and Book of Wu (20 scrolls).

  • When victory breeds doom [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    Brief: This article recounts the fall of Shu Han and the tragic fates of Deng Ai, Zhong Hui, and Jiang Wei. After Deng Ai’s daring strike conquered Chengdu, his arrogance sparked rivalry. Jiang Wei plotted to restore Shu by inciting Zhong Hui’s rebellion. All three perished in chaos, while Liu Shan’s contented captivity became…

  • The iron-striking scholar: Ji Kang [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    Brief: This article profiles Ji Kang, a bold scholar of the Three Kingdoms era. As one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, he openly defied Sima Zhao’s regime by forging iron and refusing office. His critical letter and defense of a friend led to his execution. Before death, he played Guangling San, becoming…

  • The Poisoned Banquet [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    Brief: This article tells Zhuge Ke’s tragic rise and fall. As regent of Eastern Wu, he launched a disastrous northern campaign against Wei. His arrogance and tyranny turned allies into enemies. Sun Jun plotted against him and lured him to a fatal banquet. Zhuge Ke was killed, ending his turbulent regency.

  • The feigned illness and Sima Yi’s coup [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    Brief: This article narrates Sima Yi’s legendary coup. Faking frailty to lull Cao Shuang, he seized control during the Gaopingling ceremony in 249 AD. He tricked Cao Shuang into surrender with false clemency, then eliminated him. The coup shifted power from the Cao clan to the Sima family, reshaping the Three Kingdoms.

  • “Till My Last Breath” – Zhuge Liang’s Final Campaign [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    Brief: This article depicts Zhuge Liang’s last Northern Expedition in 234 AD. Stationed at Wuzhangyuan, he farmed for supplies and invented transport tools to end shortages. He taunted Sima Yi to fight, but overwork killed him at 54. His final stratagem let Shu retreat safely, closing a heroic era.

  • The Stone Pavilion Trap [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    Introduction: This article tells the Battle of Shiting. Zhou Fang of Eastern Wu feigned defection to lure Cao Xiu’s Wei army into a trap. At Shiting, Lu Xun’s three‑pronged ambush crushed Wei’s forces. Cao Xiu escaped but died of humiliation. The victory secured Wu’s southern defense for years.