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History of Ming and Qing Dynasties 38 Ji Xiaolan's Poetry

Duration: 0:07:33

This is a story about Ji Xiaolan, an outstanding scholar and literary figure during the Qing dynasty. He was known for his wit and humor and had many stories and jokes passed down in folk tales. One time, he accompanied Emperor Qianlong on an outing and saw a white crane flying high in the sky. Qianlong asked Ji Xiaolan to compose 11 poems about it, and Ji immediately recited a couplet. However, before he could finish, Qianlong interrupted him, challenging him to continue with crossed lips.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryLiteratureQing Dynasty

History of Ming and Qing Dynasties. He Shen was killed

Duration: 0:11:44

The story is about He Shen, a Manchu banner person who became an important official during the Qing dynasty. He was clever and sharp-tongued and was appointed as a school officer in the palace. One day, when Emperor Qianlong was reading news about rebellious peasants in Sichuan province, he used a quote from the Analects to express his frustration. He Shen was the only one who understood the emperor's meaning and explained it to him. This impressed the emperor and He Shen was promoted to higher positions, eventually becoming a powerful minister. He received numerous prestigious appointments and awards until he was executed for alleged corruption.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryQing DynastyEmperor Qianlong

Ming and Qing History 41 The Jintian Uprising

Duration: 0:09:28

This podcast episode tells the story of the Taiping Rebellion, a peasant uprising against the Qing Dynasty that took place in the mid-19th century. The rebellion was sparked by the corruption of the Qing government and the influx of foreign powers, particularly Britain, into China. The rebellion was led by Hong Xiuquan, who founded a religious movement called the God Worshipers, which blended elements of Christianity and Confucianism and promoted equality and the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. The rebellion quickly gained momentum, and Hong Xiuquan declared himself the Heavenly King. The Taiping rebels captured several cities, including Nanjing, and declared it the capital of their kingdom. The rebellion lasted for over a decade and resulted in the deaths of millions of people, but ultimately failed in its goal to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryQing DynastyTaiping Rebellion

Ming and Qing History 39 Zheng Banqiao

Duration: 0:08:45

This is a Chinese historical story about the silent symbol Zheng Banqiao, who was a prominent calligrapher and literary figure during the Qing Dynasty. One day, his teacher took him on a spring outing and saw a young female body floating under a bridge. Moved by his teacher's sympathy, Zheng spontaneously recited a poem. When his teacher asked him how he knew the woman was 16 years old, he replied that he did not, but the poem was based on his emotions. Impressed by his answer, the teacher commented that Zheng was even better than his own teacher.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryZheng BanqiaoQing DynastyCalligraphy