The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast

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

Duke Huan of Qi dominated the politics of Spring and Autumn China from the 680s B.C. until the 640s under the slogan of "respecting the king and suppressing the barbarians." Here is why the role he played was similar to that being played by the United States in the modern international state system.Support the show

In 413 A.D., the self-proclaimed king of Daxia or Great Xia, one of the Sixteen "Barbarian" Kingdoms of the age, ordered the construction of a new capital city to be named Tong'wan. The only trouble was, the spot King Helian Bobo chose was in the middle of nowhere...Support the show

In 1222, a Daoist priest from eastern China went to Afghanistan to sit down with a man who had already shaken the world to its core: Genghis Khan. This is the story of that priest, whose name, perhaps serendipitously, is widely remembered even today.Support the show

"The Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms," written in the Ming Dynasty, recounts the history of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States eras. It is considered a novel but is basically nonfiction, so closely as it hews to actual historical records. We discuss the novel, the nature of what a novel is in Chinese tradition, and a key work of history that formed the basis of the "Chronicles": "The Commentary of Zuo."Support the show

You're read about them in the news and read about the area they call home, what the Chinese call Xinjiang. But what do we talk about when we talk about Uyghurs? Where did this people come from?Support the show

Western writers like Kipling produced literature depicting imperial peripheries during the height of the British Empire. Similarly, Chinese poets during the height of the Tang Empire wrote many poems about life and scenery and war on the frontiers. These form a genre in its own right in Chinese literature known as "frontiers poetry." And, as so often happens with imperial writings, they by turns celebrate the glories of empire and question its morality and costs.Support the show

In a dramatic twist of fate, palace girls in the Forbidden City plotted to assassinate Emperor Jiajing in 1542. Their rebellion was sparked by oppressive conditions, showcasing their desperation and courage. The chaotic aftermath unfolded with tragic consequences, including executions and the heartbreaking loss of Empress Fang. The gripping tale reveals a little-known aspect of imperial life and the lengths individuals would go to change their fate.