Excessive Tax Collection Leads to an Earthquake in the Capital
During the Yuan Dynasty, in the spring of the 24th year of Emperor Ziyuan (A.D. 1287), Hu Bilie entrusted authority to his minister Shang Ge. However, Shang Ge was autocratic and cruel in his politics. He favored members of his own party and at the same time, rebuked and attacked politicians from other parties who [...]
How Virtuous Mothers Educated Their Children
There were many good mothers in ancient China who paid special attention to their children’s education. The following are inspirational stories of two mothers who taught their children to be pure and honest.
Tian Ji’s Mother Refuses to Accept a Bribe of Gold
During the Warring States Period (453–221 B.C.), Tian Ji was the prime minister [...]
Qin Hui the Stinker
There is a shrine dedicated to Yue Fei on the bank of West Lake in Hangzhou City. [General Yue Fei is a much-celebrated hero of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 – 1279 A.D.) He is known for his courage and patriotism, and credited with defending China against northern invaders. He died a tragic death at [...]
The Mad Goose and The Tiger Forest
Hu-lin was a little slave girl. She had been sold by her father when she was scarcely more than a baby, and had lived for five years with a number of other children in a wretched houseboat. Her cruel master treated her very badly. He made her go out upon the street, with the other [...]
The Wrong Done to Dòu É
In ancient times there lived a man named Dòu Tiānzhāng, whose wife died leaving him a daughter called Dòu É. He decided to move to the capital to study and take the imperial examination, so he married his daughter off to a neighbor named Cài Chāngzōng and then left for the capital, where he stayed [...]
Pursuing an unfair advantage leads to trouble
What go’s around comes around, thieves will eventually have to pay.
Do Not Pursue or Indulge In Vanity
Traditional Culture: Do Not Pursue or Indulge in Vanity
Qi Jiguang was born when his father, Qi Jingtong, was at the age of 56, a relatively old age. Jiguang was the only son in the family and the father loved the child dearly. He personally taught Qi Jiguang to read books and to practice martial arts. [...]
Divine Farmer who Tasted Hundreds of Herbs
Hello, welcome to another Ancient Tales of Wisdom, today we will tell you about the story of the Divine Farmer who Tasted Hundreds of Herbs.
Shennong, or Divine Farmer, is said to have taught the Chinese farming methods and herbal medicine.
As Chinese mythology has it, after God Pangu created heaven and earth and Goddess Nuuwa created [...]
The Moment He Supported a Stalk of Grain
A story that teaches us that everyone can be compassionate and live a more virtuous life. Also displayed in this wonderful story is the truth of how much of a difference virtue and propriety makes in our lives and in our suroundings.
Heaven sees clearly your every thought
Chinese people often say, “Heaven has eyes.”, and believe this to be an absolute truth. Today, we will bring you a story from the Zhou Dynasty which demonstrates Ancient China’s reverence for the Gods.
According to the Book of Shang, one year after the Zhou Dynasty was conquered by the Shang Dynasty, Emperor Wuwang became very [...]
