Divorce Requirements in Ancient China

In ancient China, if a man wanted to divorce his spouse, he could not do it on a whim; he had to fulfill the requirements for divorce. In the ancient divorce system, repudiation was the most typical form of divorce.  If the wife failed her responsibilities in one of the seven areas the ancients held ...

Helen London

Young Asian woman wearing a traditional red and gold kwan kwa wedding dress.

Lu Zongdao and Meng Xin: Stories of Unwavering Honesty in Ancient China

During the time when Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty was still the crown prince, Lu Zongdao played a crucial role as his tutor. Despite his esteemed position, Lu Zongdao faced the challenge of poverty, notably lacking in suitable wine vessels at home. This limitation led him to a humble yet creative solution: Whenever friends ...

Mikel Davis

AI-generated illustration of a Chinese scholar sitting in a garden studying an open book.

 Haichunxuan Pagoda: Ancient China’s Architectural Technology

Originally known as the “Filial Piety Pagoda,” the Haichunxuan Pagoda’s story is deeply intertwined with the life of Yuchi Jingde, a founding minister of the Tang Dynasty who received the title of “Duke of E” for his loyal and brave service to the country. During his youth, Yuchi Jingde and his mother sought refuge in ...

Emma Lu

Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

Embracing Harmony and Tolerance: Wisdom From Ancient China

Tolerance, patience, generosity, and kindness are easily spoken of, but they are challenging to embody, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In interpersonal dealings, the ability to show tolerance is not just admirable, but is also instrumental in resolving conflicts. Stories from ancient China, steeped in traditional culture, offer insightful examples of how these virtues were ...

Mikel Davis

Huashan mountain in China.

Empress Jiang: A Paragon of Virtue and Wisdom in Ancient China

In the annals of Chinese history, the mention of wise and influential empresses invariably brings us to Empress Jiang, the queen who successfully guided King Xuan of Zhou, the 11th monarch of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.). Her story is not just about advising a king; it’s a narrative of moral strength, strategic counsel, ...

Mikel Davis

Oil painting of pink peonies.

Emperor Tang Taizong: A Legacy of Seeking Talent in Ancient China

Emperor Tang Taizong, renowned for establishing one of the most formidable empires in history, owes much of his success to his exceptional talent in identifying and utilizing gifted individuals. A prominent example of his ability to discern talent was in the rise of Ma Zhou, who evolved from a humble background to become the Prime ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of the face of Emperor Tang Taizong.

Guiding Integrity: The Upright and Honest Advisors of Ancient China

In ancient China’s history, wisdom and integrity were paramount virtues. Rulers often sought counsel when faced with perplexing matters, including unsettling dreams and omens. Those endowed with good character, like Yan Zi and Gongsun Sheng, diligently fulfilled their duties, prioritizing their responsibilities over personal gain or safety. Yan Zi’s wise counsel and integrity Duke Jing ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of a man dressed in the robes of an ancient Chinese official.

Integrity Above All: 3 Stories of Ancient China’s Upright Officials

In the annals of Chinese history, the legacy of integrity and righteousness has been long cherished and revered. Tales of principled officials who stood firm in the face of temptation and upheld the virtues of ethical governance have been passed down through generations, serving as moral compasses for both the rulers and the ruled. These ...

Emma Lu

Liu Tongxun.

The Emperor’s Dilemma: Selecting a Successor in Ancient China

In ancient times, an emperor’s selection of a successor was a matter of paramount importance, a decision that could not be taken lightly. The future of the “realm” rested on this choice: Which son would inherit the throne? Who possessed the capability and wisdom to sustain a nation? With only one crown for the taking, ...

Michael Segarty

'The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour.'

Fan Li’s Secret to Attaining Wealth in Business in Ancient China

When Goujian, the ruler of the state of Yue in ancient China, received valuable counsel from his advisor Fan Li when he found himself trapped on Mount Kuaiji by King Fuchai of Wu. Fan Li advised Goujian on how to navigate this dire situation and emphasized that in times of crisis, one must prioritize preserving ...

Tatiana Denning

A mountain in China.