The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast

The tale of another short (not to mention poor) man who achieved greatness. Chunyu Kun was a famed "wit" from Warring States era State of Qi. Besides services as a diplomat and political advisor, he was famous for being the sort of party guest you may not allow to leave by evening's end...Support the show

A fascinating minority group in the former USSR, chiefly Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, is the people known as the Dungan. Originally Hui Muslims from northwestern China, they migrated into Central Asia in the 19th century. This story is about them, their Chinese-derived language, and one of their most significant cultural figures, Iasyr Shivaza.Support the show

The Confucian philosopher Zengzi and some of his ideas that became deeply influential in Chinese culture.Support the show

Even as I want to finish telling you the story of Wu Zixu, the fact is that his life so intersected with the lives and careers of other major figures that in this second part of his story I must shift the spotlight onto someone else. King Goujian of Yue, initially defeated and kept by his enemy as a hostage, would rise to the status of a hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period. During his career he would duel against his nemesis, King Fuchai of Wu. And his triumph would also be the time for Wu Zixu's downfall. Other major figures like Xishi the beauty and none other than Confucius himself would also play their respective roles.Support the show

One of the most famous personalities from the late-Spring and Autumn period, Wu Zixu was someone I grew up learning about as a commendable character. But, upon revisiting his story, I find him closer to being the hero of a Greek tragedy than a role model. Here we tell the first half of his story and how his life intersected with other major figures like King Helü of Wu and Sunzi, the author of "The Art of War."Support the show

Yan Ying, the statesman of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn era, was famously diminutive. But his short stature was only cover for a brilliant intellect. And he went down in Chinese history as a great man.Support the show

"History is written by the victors," so goes the common saying. But Chinese court historians actually usually provided us with honest accounts of events, even if they made the rulers of their times look bad. Why? Why gave them the right, as well as the sense of responsibility, to speak truth to power?Support the show

The legend of the "James Bond" of Republican China and how his fictional codename became a household name.Support the show

In this engaging discussion, Duke Wen of Jin shares his incredible journey from exile to power. Living away from home for 19 years, he faced betrayal and intrigue, which shaped his character. The conversation dives into the sacrifices of loyal friends who supported him and the tragic consequences of forgetfulness that altered his path. Listeners will enjoy insights into Duke Wen's strategic military victories and alliances, showcasing his rise as a formidable leader during a pivotal era in Chinese history.

Continuing our discussion of the hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period, we look at Duke Xiang of Song, whom some consider a hegemon but perhaps shouldn't.Support the show