Archive for category Person in History
Cao Cao
Posted by sharon in Notable Figures on September 1, 2010
Cao Cao (155～220), also called the Emperor of Weiwu, is a famous statesman, strategist, poet during the period of Eastern Han Dynasty (25~220). In his lifetime, he unified the northern China and also contributed to the foundation of the kingdom of Wei (220-265).
He showed an aptitude for study when he was very young. He was well versed in both literature and martial arts and is almost omnipotent. Praised as the most successful ruler at that time, he played an important role in unifying the North China, resuming the economical production, stabilizing the social order, the development of agriculture, etc.
Cao Cao is not only a brilliant ruler, but also a great poet. Based on the content, his poetry can be divided into three categories: the disturbances during the period of the late Han Dynasty (202BC~220), his wishes of unifying China and his stubborn enterprising spirit. One of his most famous poems is Tortoise Lives Long.
Cao Cao is always a controversial historic character, which makes him more sincere. However, no one could deny that he is an outstanding statesman, strategist and poet.
the Twelve Beauties of Jinling – Qin Keqing
Posted by sharon in Chinese Beauties on August 10, 2010
Qin Keqing is one of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling (refers to the twelve excellent ladies) in the book of The Dream of Red Mansions. She is one of the most significant character and her real identity and early death are also amongst the most mysterious in the book.
Qin Keqing is the adopted daughter of Qin Bangye and wife of Jia Rong. However, she also has an affair with her father-in-law. She is described as one of the most beautiful and most lamentable women in this book.
She was more of a delusory figure than a real person in this book. In the chapter five, Jia Baoyu dreamed that he was led by fairy Jing Huan (Qin Keqing) to a fantasyland. The fairy gave him some books, which told the girls’ fate in the book of The Dream of Red Mansions. Therefore, this dream also had already revealed the dynasty of the whole family.
Regarding her identity, some hold that Qin Keqing is not an ordinary person due to the extraordinary ornaments she has. For example, she has a mirror which was once used by Emperor Wu Zetian (The first female Emperor in ancient China). Some believe that she was originally a princess.
Her death has also remained a mystery. Some believe that she was died of illness, but others hold that she was hanged. However, nobody knows the real answer.
In this book, there is a special meaning about her name of Qin Keqing. The name has the same pronunciation of the ancient Chinese phrase “qing ke qing, fei chang qing”, which suggests her love affairs are quite different from those of common people.
Fragrant Concubine – Xiangfei
Posted by sharon in Chinese Beauties on August 1, 2010
Fragrant Concubine (1734~1788), also called “Xiangfei” or “Rongfei” in Chinese history, is the only Uighur maiden among the forty Empresses of Emperor of Qianlong (1711~1799).
In 1759, Xiangfei’s family helped the Qing troops put down a rebellion between ethnic groups. They were called to the Palace to confer a title. In order to show their gratitude, Xiangfei’s family chose Xiangfei to serve the Emperor of Qianlong. She was soon fully favored by the Emperor. Later, she was conferred the highest-ranking imperial concubine by the emperor.
However, she was more of a legendary figure than a real person in the Chinese history. It was said that her body emitted fragrant aura since she was born. Even the butterflies would come around her due to the fragrance. However, why Xiangfei’s body emitted fragrant aura is still a mystery. Some hold that it was caused by the special tea Xiangfei often drank. Some others argue that the distinctive environment of her childhood was the answer.
The fragrant concubine’s burial ground is also a mystery. Which place is her last resting place, Xinjiang province, Taoranting (the weeds heap) of Beijing, or the Royal Garden Tomb of Qing Dynasty? No one knows.
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