History
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Zhao Xiang Zi sent his army to attack the State of Di, capturing the towns of Zuoren and Zhongren. When the messenger returned to report the victory, Zhao Xiang Zi was in the midst of his meal. Upon hearing the news, however, a look of concern crossed his face. Those around him asked, ‘This is…
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“To be, or not to be” – Shakespeare “Erchen” (literally “two-subject officials”) refers to those who served as officials in the previous dynasty and then surrendered to and served in the subsequent dynasty. Because this violates the “way of loyalty and righteousness” in Chinese culture, the term carries a strong moral judgment. Towards the end…
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Gu Hongming (1856–1928) was a renowned scholar, translator, and cultural conservative during the late Qing and early Republican periods. Having received a Western-style education from an early age, he was fluent in several European languages. He translated Confucius classics “The Discourses and Sayings of Confucius”, “Higher Education” and “The Universal Order or Conduct of Life”…
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In 279 BCE, after the State of Qin defeated the State of Zhao in battle, the King of Qin sought to concentrate his forces on attacking the State of Chu. He therefore sent an envoy to inform King of Zhao that he wished to cease hostilities, restore friendly relations, and proposed a meeting at Mianchi…
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Lin Xiangru was a senior official and diplomat of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period. He is associated with three famous historical events: “Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao,” the “Mianchi Meeting”**, and “Carrying a Cane to Beg Forgiveness”*. Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao The State of Zhao possessed a priceless…
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During the Warring States period, the State of Zhao had two renowned ministers: Lian Po and Lin Xiangru. Lian Po was a brave and skilled general who had achieved many military victories. Lin Xiangru was originally just an ordinary official, but because he successfully brought the He Shi Bi back to Zhao intact (the ‘Return…