ancient stories, destiny, destiny and fate, ethical dilemma, ethical lessons, imperial examination, moral character, southern song dynasty
Backdoor deals can often be effective in trivial matters, such as acquiring scarce goods in the market or facilitating a job transfer. However, when it comes to significant issues of destiny, such as fame and fortune in taking the imperial examination in ancient China, can these under-the-table tactics truly influence what seems predestined? The following ...
A lasting legacy is defined by two things, it’s historic impact and the moral virtue it represents. Humans are forgetful in nature, and in a process of constant self discovery. Legacies are like memories that remind us of our perils, our potentials and of our highest ideals. Introduction to the lasting legacy of Fan Zhongyan ...
There once was a Japanese ship that was sailing and had reached the sea near a Chinese coastal town. Suddenly, a fatal storm struck and the Japanese ship was on the brink of sinking. But a Chinese monk standing on the shore picked up some soil next to him and threw it into the sea. ...
Han Zao was a famous fortune teller during the Southern Song Dynasty. He had a stall in the Sangiao area of the capital city Lin’an, which is these days known as Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Province. He was so accurate in his fortune-telling that people came from far and wide to see him, even visiting ...
Ancient Chinese knowledge and insights have come to be viewed as having somewhat magical or mystical qualities. One such area is the advanced study and cognition of plants as told in the following ancient Chinese story of Xu Wei’s dream. China is well known for its long history spanning some 5,000 years. Its ancient traditions ...
Many people brought up in the traditional Chinese culture would have heard the expression: “There is a filial son at the sickbed for the long haul.” Do modern people still relate to this principle, or is it another relic from a bygone era? According to many accounts and experiences, it is very common for a person ...