SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Zhou dynasty

  • The Analects – Chapter 18.11

    •

    Ana

    This closing chapter simply lists eight virtuous Zhou scholars. Contrasting the present era’s reclusive, despairing elites, it expresses Confucius’ longing for Zhou’s prosperous age of abundant talents, strengthening his faith in reviving the lost ritual Way.

  • Mencius – Chapter 10.2

    •

    Ana

    Mencius outlines the Zhou’s five noble ranks and six official grades, with matching land and salary tiers. Lost full records left only a rough outline. Its graded pay ensures scholars need not farm, forming a stable hierarchical system for orderly benevolent governance.

  • Why did Huan Tui want to Kill Confucius?

    •

    Rob

    This article explores three theories why Song Minister Huan Tui tried to kill Confucius: political rivalry, Confucius’ harsh criticism of his extravagant coffin, and conflicting Yin-Shang stances. Though Confucius claimed heavenly virtue protected him, he fled Song disguised in plain clothes.

  • Zuo Zhuan (The Commentary of Zuo)

    •

    Ana

    Zuo Zhuan is a prominent ancient Chinese historical text, traditionally attributed to Zuo Qiuming of the Spring and Autumn period. It is also known as Zuo’s Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals or The Spring and Autumn Annals of Zuo.

  • Art of War Chapter – 13.5

    •

    Juan

    Drawing on ancient examples, Sun Tzu states that recruiting highly intelligent insiders as spies secures remarkable feats. Intelligence work is the core of warfare, the fundamental basis for all military maneuvers.

  • Laozi Li Er [Biographies of Noble Scholars]

    •

    Ana

    Laozi, named Li Er with the courtesy name Boyang, was a native of the State of Chen.

  • The Rise of the Empress: Wu Zetian’s Path to the Dragon Throne [Sui & Tang]

    •

    Juan

    This article traces Wu Zetian’s rise from a former concubine to China’s only female emperor. It covers her political struggle against loyal ministers, her joint rule with Emperor Gaozong, the suppression of rebellions, and her founding of the Zhou Dynasty. It also notes her use of secret police and favorites, as well as her…

  • Emperor

    •

    Ana

    The supreme sovereign who rules “All Under Heaven”. In China, the title “Emperor” (Huangdi) was first adopted by Ying Zheng, King of Qin, following the unification of China in 221 BCE and the establishment of the Qin dynasty.

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.7

    •

    Ana

    The Master said, “The governance of Lu and Wei is like that of brothers.”