SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Shu Han

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

    •

    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]

    •

    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]

    •

    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,…

  • Was Liu Bei’s imperial lineage fabricated? [Three Kingdoms]

    •

    Rob

    The question of whether Liu Bei’s claim to Han imperial descent was genuine has intrigued skeptics for centuries. While popular culture sometimes casts doubt on his royal status—suggesting it was a convenient fabrication—both historical evidence and sociopolitical logic strongly support its authenticity.