By Su Shi The mighty Yangtze River flows eastward –Its waves wash away all heroes of bygone ages.
-Mao Zedong – June 1956 Just drunk of Changsha’s spring,Now taste Wuchang’s fish bring.Across Long River’s wide stretch I swing,Sky o’er Chu lands so vast and clear to sing.Let wind blow hard, waves wildly fling –Better than calm stroll in garden’s ring!Today my heart finds ease, light wing.Once by the stream, the Sage did…
Mao Zedong – April 1949 O’er Purple Mountain, storms surge sudden, wild and gray;A million mighty troops cross the great Yangtze.Like tiger crouched, dragon coiled, the city shines todayFar brighter than past days; earth turns, heaven realigns –Hearts swell with joy, with triumph’s grand designs.Strike on with leftover might, chase the routed foe;Don’t fish…
– Mao Zedong · Spring 1927 Nine great streams flow vast through central land,A long thread of rail runs deep through south and north.Mist and rain blend into boundless gray,Tortoise and Snake hold the great river tight.
This article recounts the fall of the Chen Dynasty. Emperor Wen of Sui rose after Northern Zhou’s decline, while Chen Houzhu indulged in wine, women, and decadent songs like Jade Tree Behind the Palace Garden. Ignoring warnings, he was captured in a well. In 589, Sui conquered Chen, reunifying China after centuries of division.
This article recounts the heroic Siege of Xuyi. After Liu Song’s failed northern expedition, Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei attacked the small fortress. Magistrate Shen Pu and General Zang Zhi defended it bravely, repelling the mighty Wei army. Humiliated, Taiwu returned north and was soon assassinated, ending his tyrannical reign.