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Introduction: This article narrates the rise of the Yuan Dynasty. After the Mongols broke their promise to the Song, Kublai Khan embraced Han governance to rule Central Plains. He won the Mongol succession war, founded the Yuan in 1271, built Dadu (Beijing) as capital, and prepared to conquer the Southern Song.
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Chapter 52 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms marks a critical turning point in the post-Red Cliffs era, as the Sun-Liu alliance begins to fray under the weight of competing ambitions.