Sima Yu

Huan Wen’s Futile Northern Expeditions [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

March 16, 2026

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Juan

Introduction: This article reviews Huan Wen’s three futile Northern Expeditions for Eastern Jin. He conquered Cheng-Han and nearly took Chang’an but hesitated at critical moments. Court distrust and supply failures led to defeat. His ambition reshaped Jin politics, yet his dream of recapturing the north died unfulfilled.
The Wine-Pouring in Servant’s Robes: The Humiliation and Death of an Emperor [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

March 16, 2026

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Juan

Brief: This article tells the tragic fate of Emperor Huai of Western Jin. Powerless under warlord Sima Yue, he saw loyal ministers killed and Luoyang fall to Liu Cong’s Han forces. Captured, he was humiliated by serving wine at banquets before being poisoned. His death marked a dark chapter of Jin’s collapse.
The Twenty-Four Friends [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

March 15, 2026

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Juan

Brief: This article profiles the Twenty-Four Friends, a literary circle around Jia Mi in late Western Jin. It features talents like Pan Yue, Lu Ji, Shi Chong, and Zuo Si. Most sought power and perished in court bloodshed; only Zuo Si retired in peace and Liu Kun redeemed himself as a patriot. Their fates…
The Princes’ Catastrophe [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

March 15, 2026

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Juan

Introduction: This article recounts the catastrophic War of the Eight Princes. Empress Jia framed and killed Crown Prince Sima Yu, triggering a power struggle. Sima Lun seized the throne, sparking years of civil war that devastated Western Jin. The bloody infighting weakened China, opening the door to foreign invasions and long-term division.

Huan Wen’s Futile Northern Expeditions [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

The Wine-Pouring in Servant’s Robes: The Humiliation and Death of an Emperor [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

The Twenty-Four Friends [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

The Princes’ Catastrophe [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]