Mikel Davis

Hai Rui: Champion of Integrity Against Ming Dynasty Corruption

During the reign of Emperor Shizong of the Ming Dynasty, Hai Rui, the magistrate of Chun’an County in Zhejiang Province, was renowned for his unwavering commitment to justice and his refusal to yield to the rich and powerful. The local people honored him with the nickname “Hai Qingtian,” likening him to Bao Qingtian, the legendary ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of upright Ming Dynasty official Hai Rui.

Karmic Consequences: Exploring Tales of Destiny, Justice, and Redemption

In the world, the karmic consequences of life all have their causes, without the slightest error, though it is difficult for those involved to see them clearly. Cheng Bolin’s destined path In the late Ming Dynasty, Cheng Bolin, a merchant from Huizhou, lived with his family in Yangzhou. He was a devout Buddhist and often ...

Mikel Davis

The word 'karma' spelled out in wooden blocks.

Loving Embrace: A Son’s Journey to Reconnect With His Mother

Long absorbed in his own life of work, marriage, and fatherhood, he felt a growing distance from his mother. What once was daily companionship during his youth had dwindled due to his busy schedule. However, a serious illness brought him back home urgently. His mother’s condition was severe, her appearance frail and worn, her hair ...

Mikel Davis

Silhouette of a mother kneeling down and kissing her son on his forehead.

8 Exemplary Mothers of Ancient China: The Pillars of Virtue and Valor (Part 3)

Throughout history, the influence of mothers has been an unwavering force in shaping cultures, values, and even the destinies of nations. In ancient China, the adage “when you drink water, think of its source” underscores the deep-seated respect for maternal origins and the pivotal role of mothers in shaping character. As we delve into the ...

Mikel Davis

Closeup shot of beautiful white cymbidium orchids in a garden.

The Faithless Wife: A Ming Dynasty Tale of Love and Deceit

In the Ming Dynasty, in the county of Lishui, Southern Zhili, there lived a young and exceptionally beautiful woman named Lin Sanniang. Her beauty was so renowned that she was the object of many young men’s daydreams. When it came time for her to marry, a local businessman named Chen De spent a considerable fortune ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of a couple inside their home during the Ming Dynasty in China.

8 Exemplary Mothers of Ancient China: The Pillars of Virtue and Valor (Part 2)

Throughout history, the influence of mothers in shaping leaders and visionaries has been profound and enduring. In ancient China, the enduring principle that “to know the virtues of the ancestors, one must trace the roots” reflects a deep reverence for maternal wisdom. This second part of our series continues to explore the lives of exemplary ...

Mikel Davis

Closeup shot of blooming orchids in a garden.

Master of Destiny: Yuan Gong and the Art of Ming Dynasty Physiognomy

Yuan Gong, a remarkable figure from the Ming Dynasty, authored the extraordinary book on physiognomy, Liu Zhuang’s Methods of Physiognomy. His technique primarily involved observing a person’s complexion to predict their future. Yuan Gong, also known by his courtesy name Tingyu, hailed from Yin County (now Ningbo). He was known as the Scholar of Liu ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of a Chinese official sitting to have a face reading performed.

8 Exemplary Mothers of Ancient China: The Pillars of Virtue and Valor (Part 1)

Throughout history, mothers have played a profound role in shaping cultures and values. In ancient China, the phrase “when you drink water, think of its source” illustrates the deep appreciation for one’s origins and the foundational role of mothers. This article, the first in a three-part series, explores the lives of some of the most ...

Mikel Davis

A flowering Cymbidium hybrid orchid.