SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Yan state

  • Mencius – Chapter 4.11 Respecting the virtuous: Not Words, But Deeds

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    Ana

    After leaving Qi state, Mencius stayed overnight in Zhou. A man who wished to persuade Mencius to stay on behalf of the king came to visit. He sat down respectfully and began to speak.

  • Mencius – Chapter 2.10 From Occupation to Revenge

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    Ana

    When the state of Qi invaded and defeated Yan, King Xuan asked Mencius: “Some advise me not to annex Yan; others urge me to take it. We, a great state of ten thousand chariots, conquered another great state in just fifty days – surely this is Heaven’s will! If I refuse to take it,…

  • The Master of Deceit: Zhang Yi [Warring States]

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    Rob

    Introduction: This article details the masterful deception of Zhang Yi, Chancellor of Qin, during the Warring States period. It recounts his infamous “Sting” against King Huai of Chu, where he falsely promised 600 li of land to break the Chu-Qi alliance, only to renege and provoke a war that cost Chu its territory and…

  • Su Qin vs. Zhang Yi: Alliances vs. Division [Warring States]

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    Rob

    Brief: This article explores the intense rivalry between the Vertical Alliance (Hezong) of Su Qin and the Horizontal Alliance (Lianheng) of Zhang Yi during the Warring States period. It details how Su Qin’s coalition of six states threatened Qin, only to be countered by Zhang Yi’s diplomatic stratagems that divided them. The narrative follows…

  • The old horse knows the way [Spring & Autumn]

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    Rob

    Brief: This article recounts Duke Huan of Qi’s northern campaign against the Shanrong nomads in 663 BCE. After defeating the invaders, Duke Huan and his strategist Guan Zhong pursued the retreating enemy into the state of Guzhu, only to be lured into the treacherous “Migu” (Valley of Confusion), a vast desert where they became…