At the end of the Qing Dynasty (1636 – 1912), a pear paste candy store thrived in Shanghai. The store, renowned for its bustling business, was adorned with a plaque bearing the bold characters for “Heaven Knows.” Directly across from this store was Yu’s Store, a fruit shop pivotal to the candy store’s success. In ...
Most Qing emperors were renowned for their diligent governance, with Yongzheng standing out as a particularly exceptional ruler. Sakuji Saeki, a Japanese historian, lauded him, saying: “Without Yongzheng, the Qing Dynasty would have likely faced an early decline.” He was an emperor of remarkable political acumen and capability. Emperor Yongzheng’s strict governance and high moral ...
Pei Huaigu, a distinguished figure in the Tang Dynasty, is celebrated for his exceptional governance and unwavering integrity. His tenure as the prefect of Bingzhou marked a period of profound admiration and respect from the populace. During the Shenlong era, Pei’s consistent excellence in administrative achievements led to his promotion to the esteemed position of ...
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, ...
Plagues have the power to topple the mightiest empires and disband the strongest armies. Seemingly impartial and ruthless, neither wealth nor power offer protection. Even a nation’s ruler can easily fall victim. Despite our advanced material and scientific civilization, we have not been immune to the indeterminate origins of current viral crises. However, plagues are ...
In a time where strict adherence to protocol was the norm in the Qing Dynasty, Lady Yan, the mother of a conscientious local official, Yan Xishen, dared to defy convention in a moment of crisis. Her act of bold compassion not only saved thousands, but also reshaped the career and legacy of her son. Yan ...
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 ...
During the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, Deng Tong was a highly favored courtier due to his high character. The Emperor was especially fond of Deng, who often accompanied him in his carriage and was even permitted to share the same sleeping quarters with him. At this time, a famous diviner named Xu Fu ...
Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien, hailed by The New York Times as “Taiwan’s Greatest Filmmaker,” received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Golden Horse Awards. Recently, his family confirmed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This personal revelation brings to light a crucial global concern — dementia. Effective strategies to prevent dementia The heart-wrenching ...
Traditional Chinese is made up of characters that are like building blocks. However, a simple inversion of these characters can drastically change their meanings and implications, which can be crucial in some special situations. Turning the tide in battle by changing the Chinese characters Zeng Guofan, a famous general in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), led ...
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