SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

succession crisis

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.13

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    This is Explanation Five from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings, Part II. It assembles cases on how royal favour distorts succession and brings usurpation and regicide. Unlike prior sections focusing on ministers’ frauds, it highlights a root structural issue: uncertain inheritance fuels all palace intrigues.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.6

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    This Han Feizi passage examines “Mutual Suspicion Among Rivals”. Citing multiple Spring‑and‑Autumn power‑struggle cases, it argues blurred hierarchies breed deadly political turmoil, so wise rulers must enforce clear rank distinctions.

  • The Scroll of Righteousness: Yongzheng’s Defense of the Throne [Qing]

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    This article explains how the Yongzheng Emperor secured the throne after Kangxi’s death. He subdued rival brothers, defended his legitimacy in the Dayi Juemi Lu, and launched key reforms: merging poll and land taxes, replacing tribal chiefs, and ending hereditary servitude. He also created the secret succession system to avoid future crises.

  • The Struggle for the Dragon Throne: Kangxi’s Succession Crisis [Qing]

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    This article tells the succession crisis under Emperor Kangxi. He first made his second son Yinreng crown prince, but later deposed him for arrogance. The Eighth Prince Yinsi won wide support but lost favor due to political suspicion. The Fourteenth Prince Yinti gained prestige as a general. In the end, the throne remained a…

  • The Son-Emperor and the Salted Corpse: The Rise of Liao and the Fall of Jin [Sui & Tang]

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    This article tells the turbulent rise and fall of the Later Jin and the expansion of the Liao. It covers Shi Jingtang’s betrayal by becoming Liao’s “Son-Emperor” and ceding the Sixteen Prefectures. It also records Emperor Yelu Deguang’s invasion of the Central Plains, his rapid retreat due to popular resistance, and his bizarre death…

  • The Tragedy at Mawei and the Fracture of the Tang [Sui & Tang]

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    This article narrates the tragic Mawei Incident during the An-Shi Rebellion. After the Tang defeat at Tong Pass, Emperor Xuanzong fled Chang’an with Yang Guifei. Enraged imperial guards mutinied, killing Yang Guozhong and forcing the emperor to order Yang Guifei’s death. The imperial family split; the crown prince declared himself Emperor Suzong. Though the…

  • The Cultural Zenith of the Zhenguan Reign [Sui & Tang]

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    This article explores the cultural golden age of Emperor Taizong’s Zhenguan reign. It highlights his religious tolerance, revival of Confucian scholarship, standardized classics, and music reforms. It also covers his succession struggles and tragic death from alchemy, leaving a lasting legacy of enlightened governance.

  • The Arrow Duel at the Xuanwu Gate Incident [Sui & Tang]

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    This article recounts the pivotal Xuanwu Gate Incident in 626 AD. Fearing elimination by Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Prince Li Yuanji, Li Shimin launched a preemptive coup, killing his two brothers. He seized power, forced Emperor Gaozu to abdicate, and ascended as Emperor Taizong, laying the groundwork for the Zhenguan golden age.

  • The Tragedy of the Sui Father and Sons [Sui & Tang]

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    This article tells the tragic family drama of Emperor Wen of Sui. His frugal rule clashed with his sons’ excesses: Prince Yang Jun died in disgrace, Crown Prince Yang Yong was deposed, and Prince Yang Xiu was framed. The cunning Yang Guang deceived his way to the throne, setting the stage for the Sui…