The story continues. After wrecking the Han and Tang Dynasties, the eunuchs emerge again in the Ming as a particularly destructive force. In this episode we'll also look at the Song Dynasty eunuch general and politician Tong Guan. Then we'll look at the life of the first of the so-called Four Eunuch Dictators of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Zhen. His greed and avarice almost caused the Ming Dynasty to fall.
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Ep. 269 | Eunuchs in Chinese History (Part 3)

Since 2010, The China History Podcast, presented by Laszlo Montgomery brings you over 300 episodes of curated topics from China's antiquity to modern times.

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We've already explored the Ru School of Philosophy and the thought of Confucius, Mengzi and Xunzi. This time we look at Legalism and the most important philosophers of this school of thought. We'll look at the lives of Shang Yang, Shen Buhai, Han Fei, and Li Si and how they embraced this controversial political philosophy.
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The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 8)

This episode will focus on the life of Mengzi and his philosophy. We'll also introduce Mengzi's legendary mother. Then we'll finish off with another Confucianist great from this era, Xunzi 荀子.
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The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 7)

I had the great pleasure to interview fellow Earnshaw Books author, Alice Poon recently. The occasion was the official release date of her new book, "The Earthly Blaze" (links below). We first discussed the life and work of Zha Liangyong, also known as Louis Cha. But he is more widely known by his pen name, Jin Yong, whose novels have been read and enjoyed by countless numbers of readers around the world. While I had Alice in the studio I also got her to talk about the greater Wuxia 武侠 genre of Chinese fiction and how it has been received in popular culture.
The Earthly Blaze Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Earthly-Blaze-Sword-Maiden-Moon/dp/9888843680/
The Earthly Blaze BN Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-earthly-blaze-alice-poon/1144936000
The Earthly Blaze at Earnshaw Books: https://earnshawbooks.com/product/the-earthly-blaze/
Alice's Blog: https://alicewaihanpoon.blogspot.com/
A nice recommended resource for further reading about Jin Yong and Wuxia: https://wuxiasociety.com/jin-yong-novels/
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Jin Yong and the Wuxia genre. Laszlo chats with author Alice Poon

This Chinese Saying, or at least the story, is rather well-known. The story of young Kong Rong and the bowl of pears. Kǒng Róng Ràng Lí 孔融让梨. This perennial children's favorite has a nice moral lesson to teach. When you see young children exhibiting generosity and kindness, many might recall these kids were just like Kong Rong back in the late 2nd Century.
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S9E04 | Be like Kong Rong

This time around we will explore the other major Ru philosophers who established rival schools of thought, including Mozi 墨子. Then we'll explore the early life of Mengzi 孟子 (a.k.a. Mencius) and what he meant to Confucianism.
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Ep. 269 | Eunuchs in Chinese History (Part 3)

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