Introduction Imagine being a young emperor, only 17, trying to establish your authority in a court filled with skeptical ministers, powerful regional lords, and strong family factions. This was Liu Che’s reality when he ascended to the throne as Emperor Wu of Han in 141 BCE. Despite these early challenges, Liu Che wasn’t just any…
Introduction Imagine stepping into a state governed by strict rules and harsh punishments. For Xun Kuang, a prominent Confucian thinker, this wasn’t just a theoretical challenge—it was a reality. Known for its ruthless Legalist approach, the Qin state wasn’t the place where a Confucian scholar would typically venture. But Xun Kuang wasn’t afraid to confront…
Introduction Chaos often breeds innovation. This was certainly true during China’s Warring States period, which lasted from 475 to 221 BCE. Picture a time when kingdoms clashed endlessly, political alliances shifted overnight, and ordinary people faced constant uncertainty. In the midst of this turmoil, something remarkable happened: a philosophical revolution that would reshape Chinese culture…