In the Tang Dynasty, during the reign known as Zhenguan (627-649), a man named Zhang Ti opened an inn in the area of Wei State’s Banqiao. This location was bustling with traders and travelers, so the business thrived, providing Zhang with a stable and prosperous life. However, disaster struck unexpectedly one day in the form ...
In the annals of history, princesses are often envisioned as delicate figures adorned in finery, far removed from the harsh realities of battle. Yet Princess Pingyang, the sister of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, shatters this stereotype, standing tall as a warrior heroine of her era. In the year A.D. 617, the father of ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
In a world where beauty is often equated with value, the story of “Wuyan,” which translates to “saltless” or unremarkable, unfolds as a captivating narrative that defies conventional norms. Though told in various ways, this tale is not just about an “ugly woman” who became a queen; it’s a testament to the power of virtue ...
The Chinese classic Roots of Wisdom states: “In life, taking a step back is a mark of greatness; showing leniency is a blessing.” This means showing kindness to others opens up a world of possibilities, and a broad mind leads to a clear sky. In life, yielding a step means leaving room for yourself to ...
Fan Zhongyan’s mother, Mrs. Xie, had a difficult life, experienced much hardship, and tasted many bitter experiences. As a result, she placed great hope in her son. Inspired by the dedication of Mencius’ mother, Mrs. Xie devoted herself to her son’s education. Fan Zhongyan disciplined himself like the famed Chinese philosopher Yan Hui and worked ...
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 ...
During the final years of the Sui Dynasty, chaos reigned as heroes rose across the land. With his remarkable wisdom and courage, Li Shimin (598-649) led an army of benevolence and righteousness. He helped his father, Li Yuan, stabilize the realm and founded the great Tang Dynasty in A.D. 618. Upon ascension in A.D 626, ...