SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Shanhai Pass

  • The Tragedy of Meishan [Ming]

    •

    Juan

    This article tells the tragic end of the Ming Dynasty. The Qing rose in the northeast, while Li Zicheng’s rebel army marched on Beijing. Chongzhen Emperor hanged himself at Meishan. Li briefly ruled Beijing but lost support. Wu Sangui allied with the Qing, who defeated Li and seized the capital, founding the Qing Dynasty.

  • The Lone Sentinel of Ningyuan: Yuan Chonghuan [Ming]

    •

    Juan

    This article tells how Yuan Chonghuan defended Ming against the rising Jurchen Later Jin. After Ming’s heavy defeat at Sarhu, Yuan fortified Ningyuan with Western cannons and defeated Nurhaci, who died soon after. He also repelled Hong Taiji at Ning-Jin. Despite victories, court intrigue forced his temporary resignation.