SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Yang Jian

  • The Virtuous Reign of Emperor Wen of Sui

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    Juan

    A New Capital Rises from Ruins Following the establishment of the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Wen (Yang Jian) recalled a long-held ambition. Turning to his Prime Ministers, Gao Jiong and Su Wei, he lamented the state of the ancient capital, Chang’an, built by Han Gaozu over eight centuries prior. “War has ravaged this city for…

  • The Lament of the Jade Tree

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    Juan

    The Sudden Death of a Reformer When Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou died unexpectedly in 578, rumors spread like wildfire. Former monks – many of whom had been forcibly defrocked during his anti-Buddhist campaign – claimed:“He banned the Buddha and was dragged to hell!”

  • Reform and Conquest: The Rise of Northern Zhou

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    Juan

    The Architect of Reform: Su Chuo and the Six Edicts As Northern Qi declined, Northern Zhou rose – thanks largely to one visionary Han Chinese statesman: Su Chuo. A scholar from Wugong (Shaanxi), Su Chuo excelled in mathematics, administration, and historical insight. Early in Western Wei, he was recommended to Yuwen Tai, the de…

  • The Little Sage in Journey to the West and his historical origins

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    Juan

    Erlang Shen, also known as “God Erlang” or the “Little Sage”, holds a unique and pivotal position in Journey to the West. Erlang Shen’s victory over Sun Wukong marks a turning point in the novel, forcing the Monkey King to confront his limitations and paving the way for his eventual redemption under Tang Sanzang.

  • el Pequeño Sabio

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    Juan

    Existen varias teorías sobre el prototipo histórico del dios Erlang, y no hay un consenso definitivo.