Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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From Hostage to Hero: The Making of Liu Yuan Centuries earlier, during the early Western Han dynasty, the Xiongnu nomads of the north frequently raided Chinese territory. Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang) opted for a policy of heqin – marital alliances and diplomatic brotherhood – with Modu Chanyu, leader of the Xiongnu. This pact allowed…
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The Rise of Jia Mi and His Literary Coterie In the bloody coup that toppled Empress Jia Nanfeng, Jia Mi – her nephew and adopted heir to the powerful Jia Chong – was executed. Yet just months earlier, this man in his twenties had stood at the pinnacle of imperial favor. Backed by the…
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The Doomed Heir: Rise and Fall of Crown Prince Sima Yu While still crown prince, Emperor Hui of Jin had a concubine named Xie Jiu, who became pregnant. Fearing the jealousy of Empress Jia Nanfeng, she fled the Eastern Palace. Soon after, in the inner quarters of the imperial harem, she gave birth to…