Han Feizi tells Wu Zixu tricked a guard. He threatened false theft charges, forcing release with quick wit.
The Old Man on the River was a man from the state of Chu.
Sun Wu, or Sun Tzu, (fl. late 6th century BCE), a renowned military strategist of the late Spring and Autumn period, is regarded as the founder of the Chinese “School of Military Thought” and revered by later generations as “Sunzi” (“Master Sun”). His courtesy name was Changqing, and he was a native of the…
This article chronicles the legendary rise of King Goujian of Yue, the last hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period. It details his strategy of enduring humiliation after defeat, including his captivity in Wu and his subsequent use of statecraft to destroy his rival. The narrative highlights key tactics like the “Poisoned Grain” sabotage,…
This article narrates King Goujian of Yue’s harrowing years of captivity in the State of Wu. Following his defeat at Lake Tai, Goujian was forced to live in a stone hut near King Helü’s tomb, enduring the humiliating role of a horse keeper. It details his strategy of deception, where he served King Fuchai…
This article explores the tragic campaign of Wu Zixu against the State of Chu in 506 BCE. It details the brilliant military strategy of Sun Tzu that led to the capture of Ying, the Chu capital. The narrative focuses on Wu Zixu’s obsessive quest for vengeance against King Ping, culminating in the desecration of…
This article recounts the legendary test of discipline by Sun Tzu in the State of Wu. To prove his military philosophy – that “with true discipline, even women can fight” – Sun Tzu was given 150 palace maids to train. When the women, led by the King’s favorite concubines, treated the drills as a…
This article recounts the legendary assassination of King Liao of Wu by the warrior Zhuan Zhu. It details the political intrigue where Prince Guang (the rightful heir) recruited Zhuan Zhu to eliminate the usurper King Liao. To bypass the king’s heavy security, Zhuan Zhu spent three months mastering the culinary arts to become a…