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Among the world’s most influential philosophical texts, the Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing) stands out as a masterpiece of brevity and profound insight. Attributed to Laozi (Lao Tzu), a mysterious sage believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE during China’s Spring and Autumn Period, this small book of just 81 chapters…
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Mencius said: “If a ruler executes scholar-officials without just cause, then high ministers may leave the state.If a ruler massacres common people without guilt, then scholar-officials (educated individuals) may relocate to another country.”
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In the twilight years of the Spring and Autumn period leading into the Warring States era, a pivotal event unfolded within the state of Qi. The aristocratic Tian clan gradually supplanted the ruling Jiang lineage, culminating in their establishment as the new sovereign house. This transition marked not only the end of one era…
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Mencius said: “He who uses force under the guise of benevolence achieves hegemony. Hegemony requires a great state. But he who practices benevolence through virtue achieves true kingship – and kingship does not depend on size. King Tang ruled with only seventy li of territory; King Wen with only a hundred li.”
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In 494 BC, the State of Yue was defeated by the State of Wu. King Goujian of Yue, his wife and officials (such as Fan Li) were held as hostages in Wu state for about three years. During this time, Goujian endured the humiliation. For example, Fuchai, the king of Wu, assigned them a…
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In 494 BC, the State of Yue was defeated by the State of Wu. To preserve his kingdom, King Goujian of Yue, following the advice of his strategists, took his wife and officials (such as Fan Li) to Wu as hostages, a period that lasted about three years.
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Just as Qin and Chu prepared to counterattack, disaster struck Wu: Prince Fugai, Helü’s brother, rebelled, declared himself king, and allied with Yue state, promising five cities as reward.