SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Wang Anshi

  • Shen Kuo

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    Ana

    Shen Kuo (1031–1095) was a distinguished scientist, statesman, and polymath of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Cunzhong, and in later life he adopted the sobriquet “Mengxi Weng” (Old Man of Dream Brook). He was a native of Qiantang, Hangzhou (modern-day Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province).

  • The Crow Terrace Poetry Case [Song & Yuan]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This article recounts the Crow Terrace Poetry Case, a famous literary inquisition in the Northern Song. Su Shi’s poems criticizing political reforms were exploited, leading to his imprisonment. Saved by public appeals, he was exiled to Huangzhou, where he created timeless literary works. The case reflects fierce factional conflicts and the risks of…

  • The Torment of Factionalism: A Dynasty Torn Apart [Song & Yuan]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This text traces the turbulent political shifts in the late Northern Song Dynasty, starting with Empress Dowager Gao’s regency after Emperor Shenzong’s death. It covers the Yuanyou Restoration, when conservatives led by Sima Guang abolished Wang Anshi’s New Policies. Factional splits among conservatives and Emperor Zhezong’s resentment followed, leading to the Shaosheng Restoration…

  • The Xining Reforms: Wang Anshi [Song & Yuan]

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    Juan

    Introduction: This post recounts the background and course of Wang Anshi’s Xining Reforms during the Northern Song Dynasty. It begins with young Prince Zhao Xu’s admiration for Wang Anshi’s reform ideas amid the Song’s crises in finance, military, and governance. It depicts the sharp ideological conflict between Wang Anshi and his former friend Sima…

  • Wang Anshi

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    Ana

    Wang Anshi (1021–1086) was a preeminent statesman, reformer, and literary figure of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Jiefu, and he adopted the sobriquet Banshan (“Half Hill”). Born in Linchuan, Fuzhou (modern-day Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province), Wang passed the imperial civil service examination in 1042 (the second year of the Qingli reign).

  • Sima Guang

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    Juan

    Sima Guang (1019–1086 CE) was a prominent statesman and historian of the Northern Song dynasty. His courtesy name was Junshi, and he styled himself Yusou (“Old Recluse”). Born in Sishui Village, Xia County, Shanzhou (in present-day Shanxi Province), he was widely known as “Master Suishui.”

  • The chicken-crowers and dog-thieves: Lord Mengchang [Warring States]

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    Juan

    Brief: This article examines the controversial life of Lord Mengchang (Tian Wen), one of the “Four Lords” of the Warring States period. It contrasts his self-serving opportunism against the loyalty of his peers, detailing his betrayals of both Qin and his native Qi. The narrative highlights his famous escape from Qin—aided by retainers skilled…

  • A new lake for an old

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    Ana

    Wang Anshi, prime minister of the Song Dynasty, was fond of public utility projects.