SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Yan Song

  • The Coffin Memorial: Courage Against the Jiajing Emperor [Ming]

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    Juan

    This article tells the story of Ming officials’ bravery against tyranny. Shen Lian and Yang Jisheng risked their lives to impeach the corrupt Yan Song, and were martyred. Hai Rui bought a coffin and directly criticized the Jiajing Emperor’s neglect of state affairs. Finally, the Yan clan fell, and the Longqing Emperor reversed the…

  • Pacifying the Seas: The Campaign Against the Wokou [Ming]

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    Juan

    This article tells the Ming campaign against Wokou pirates. Official Zhu Wan was framed and died. Hu Zongxian tried diplomacy but failed. General Qi Jiguang recruited a brave army, created the Mandarin Duck Formation, and won key battles. With allies like Yu Dayou, they finally pacified China’s southeast coast.

  • The Palace Intrigues and the Rise of Yan Song [Ming]

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    Juan

    This article recounts the Jiajing Emperor’s long reign. He won the Great Rites Controversy, crushed official dissent, and became obsessed with Taoism. A palace maid assassination attempt left him reclusive. Yan Song rose by writing divine prayers, seized power, and ruled corruptly for 20 years, while Mongol raids and Wokou pirates threatened the Ming.

  • The Wolf of Zhongshan Mountain

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    Ana

    There once lived a scholar by the name of Dongguo, who was known for his compassion.