SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Shu Han

  • How Mao evaluated Liu Bei?

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    Juan

    This article presents Mao Zedong’s comments on Liu Bei. He praised Liu Bei for talent management and unity-building, yet criticized his emotional decisions and flawed strategies, especially the disastrous Yiling Campaign with tactical mistakes.

  • Zhuge Liang

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    Juan

    Zhuge Liang (181–234 CE) was a preeminent statesman and military strategist of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. His courtesy name was Kongming, and he was born in Yangdu, Langya Commandery (in present-day Yinan County, Shandong).

  • Liu Yuan and the Rebirth of an Empire [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

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    Juan

    This article traces Liu Yuan’s rise from a Xiongnu hostage in Luoyang to founder of the Han Kingdom. Amid the War of the Eight Princes, he united tribes, adopted Han legitimacy, and challenged Western Jin. His bold reign launched the era of the Sixteen Kingdoms and reshaped China’s north.

  • When victory breeds doom [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    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 a…

  • Zhuge Liang’s self-demotion [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    This article tells of Zhuge Liang’s first Northern Expedition. He won early victories and recruited Jiang Wei, but Ma Su’s blunder lost Jieting. Though grieved, Zhuge punished Ma Su, took full blame, and requested demotion. His integrity and accountability became a timeless model of leadership.

  • The Seven Captures of Meng Huo [Three Kingdoms]

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    Rob

    This article tells Zhuge Liang’s legendary southern campaign to pacify Nanzhong. Following the “win hearts” strategy, he captured and released Meng Huo seven times. Finally subdued, Meng Huo swore lifelong loyalty. This wisdom secured Shu’s southern border, clearing the way for Zhuge’s Northern Expeditions.

  • The loyalty of two generations: Huang Quan and Huang Chong [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    Huang Quan (courtesy name Gongheng), born in Langzhong, Baxi Commandery (modern-day Langzhong, Sichuan), stands out in the turbulent Three Kingdoms era as a rare figure whose reputation grew with every change of master. Though he served three regimes – Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, and Cao Wei – he was never branded a turncoat. Instead,…

  • The rise of Liu Bei [Three Kingdoms]

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    Juan

    This article chronicles the humble origins and rise of Liu Bei, founder of the Shu Han kingdom. Unlike Cao Cao or Sun Quan, Liu Bei began as a poor mat-weaver, relying on his imperial lineage for legitimacy and his personal virtues for survival. It details his early struggles, from fighting in the Yellow Turban…

  • Joyful Rain on a Spring Night [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Du Fu Good rain knows its season well, It comes with the spring to dwell. With wind it steals into the night, Moistening all things soft and slight. Wild paths and clouds are lost in deep black, Only the boat’s lamp glows at the riverbank. At dawn, see where petals, damp and red,…