SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Shang Dynasty

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.3

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.3 disputes Confucius’ praise for King Wen of Zhou. It argues King Wen’s land‑ceding gesture aggravated Shang King Zhou’s suspicion, bringing about his imprisonment; prudent non‑display would have been wiser statecraft.

  • 不食周粟 (Bù shí Zhōu sù)

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    This entry explains idiom “Bu shi zhou su”, originating from Records of the Grand Historian. Based on Bo Yi and Shu Qi’s story, it symbolizes moral integrity: refusing benefits from a regime deemed unjust, with nuanced positive‑critical readings.

  • Guzhu

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    Guzhu (孤竹, also written as “觚竹”) was an ancient state during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. It is first mentioned in oracle bone inscriptions (甲骨文) from Yinxu (殷墟) and bronze inscriptions (金文) from the Shang dynasty. It was a vassal state of the Zi surname (子姓) and Mo clan (墨氏), with its capital located…

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.31

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    Gongsun Chou asks if ministers may exile unworthy kings, citing Yi Yin’s case. Mencius replies such extreme acts are legitimate only with Yi Yin’s selfless public devotion; without pure motives, they amount to treasonous usurpation.

  • The Analects – Chapter 18.1

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    Confucius names Weizi, Jizi and Bigan the three benevolent men of the Shang. Though they took vastly different paths—fleeing, feigning madness, dying in remonstrance—all acted out of loyal care for their state, showing benevolence allows flexible expedient choices.

  • Why did Huan Tui want to Kill Confucius?

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    This article explores three theories why Song Minister Huan Tui tried to kill Confucius: political rivalry, Confucius’ harsh criticism of his extravagant coffin, and conflicting Yin-Shang stances. Though Confucius claimed heavenly virtue protected him, he fled Song disguised in plain clothes.

  • Yi Yin

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    Yi Yin was a prominent minister in the early Shang Dynasty. His given name was Zhi, while “Yin” was his official title. Originally a slave serving the ruler of the Youshen tribe, he yearned to join Tang of Shang after hearing of the latter’s virtue and benevolence. When Tang married a woman from the…

  • Bi Gan

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    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.

  • King Wen of Zhou

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    King Wen of Zhou (c. 1152–1056 BCE) was the paramount leader of the Zhou people at the end of the Shang dynasty. His personal name was Ji Chang, and during the reign of the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang, he held the title “Western Count” (Western Lord or Xibo), ruling over the Zhou domain…