Mikel Davis

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.

Reincarnated Love: The Remarkable Reunion of Zhu Haichun and His Wife

During the Qing Dynasty, in Chongqing, Sichuan, a young prodigy named Zhu Haichun captured the town’s admiration. By age 8, he had mastered 13 Confucian classics, and by fourteen, he was celebrated for passing the provincial imperial examinations. Despite being a promising young man, Zhu Haichun remained indifferent to the many marriage proposals facilitated by ...

Mikel Davis

A pair of wedding rings on the branch of a tree in bloom in spring.

Lin Xiangru: Master of Diplomacy in the Warring States Era

The Spring and Autumn and the Warring States Period (770–221 B.C.) was a golden age in ancient Chinese history. Not only did it produce many schools of thought that had a profound impact on future generations, but it also produced many outstanding military figures. Among them, there was Lin Xiangru, a famous statesman and diplomat ...

Mikel Davis

AI-generated image showing a Chinese minister carrying a precious piece of jade to present it to the ruler at court.

Pipa Master Tang Yingzeng’s Tale

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Tang Yingzeng, who was from Pizhou, was exceptionally skilled at playing the pipa, a traditional Chinese lute, so people called him Tang Pipa. Because his family was poor, he couldn’t afford to get married, leaving him and his mother to rely solely on each other. Tang was ...

Mikel Davis

Painting from the Tang Dynasty era of a flying heavenly maiden with a pipa.

Cao Cao’s Leadership Principles: Trust and Integrity in the Three Kingdoms Era

In the ancient Shuowen Dictionary, trust is defined as a blend of sincerity and reliability, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s word. This concept was deeply valued in ancient China, with many proverbs highlighting the significance of integrity in personal and professional relationships. Cao Cao, the ruler of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms ...

Mikel Davis

A statue of Cao Cao at Weiwudi Square.

Healing Old Wounds: Actress Sun Li’s Story of Family and Forgiveness

Sun Li’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to a place of peace and success is a powerful story of resilience and forgiveness. As a celebrated Chinese actress, she has not only made a mark in the entertainment industry, but also navigated the complex path of reconciling with a father she felt estranged from after her ...

Mikel Davis

A father and daughter holding hands watching the setting sun.