SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Xuanwu Gate

  • Jiao Ming: When a Ghost Story became a satire on power and privilege

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    Pu Songling’s Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio is famous for its ghost stories, but beneath the supernatural surface lies a sharp eye for social criticism. One tale, “Jiao Ming”, appears at first glance to be a straightforward exorcism story: a high official’s house is haunted by foxes, and a Taoist priest from the…

  • 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.