The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast
Stories from ancient China, and whatever else comes to mind.
Episodes
230 episodes
Xie Jin of the Yongle Encyclopedia
The early-Ming Dynasty mandarin and editor of one of the greatest literary undertakings ever performed.
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Episode 230
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21:37
"Discourse on the Lamas" and the Golden Urn
In 1793, Emperor Qianlong of Qing decreed a new process by which to select future Tibetan spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama. And he wrote an essay about it.
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Episode 229
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22:04
Wu Jingzi and "The Scholars"
Regarding the great Qing Dynasty novel and its unfortunate author.
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Episode 228
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21:01
Rebellion of the Eight Princes
The chaotic series of events from 290 to 306 A.D. that set the stage for the fall of the Western Jin Dynasty.
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Episode 227
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21:12
The Tragedy of the Parties and Shackles
The Eastern Han Dynasty conflict between the eunuchs and the mandarins that set the stage for Three Kingdoms.
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Episode 226
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19:27
Zuo Zongtang and the Muslim Rebellion of Shaanxi and Gansu
One of the most significant late-Qing officials and the bloody conflicts he fought.
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Episode 224
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26:22
The Nian Rebellion
The amorphous, decentralized, and non-ideological rebellion of the mid-19th century.
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Episode 223
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18:51
The White Lotus Sect
A most curious, longstanding, and blood-drenched religious movement.
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Episode 222
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21:10
Wellington Koo, Diplomat
The story of one of Republican China's greatest diplomats.
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Episode 221
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21:28
Chen Youliang and the Battle of Poyang Lake
Regarding the late-Yuan era rebel leader and the greatest naval battle in medieval Chinese history.
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Episode 220
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19:53
Shangguan Wan'er: "Prime Minister in Women's Clothing"
The story of a remarkable Tang Dynasty woman.
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Episode 219
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21:14
The Nestorian Stele
In 635 A.D., a Syriac bishop arrived in the Chinese capital, Chang'an. This is the story of the stele they put up to commemorate that event...
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Episode 216
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27:03
Li He, the Ghost of Poetry
Li He, one of the most unusual poets of the Tang era, who also gave us the expression: "to answer the summons to the jade pavilion."
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Episode 215
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17:46
The Latter Ruler Li
Li Yu, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Southern Tang, who also happened to be one of the greatest poets in Chinese literature.
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Episode 214
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19:37
Liu Shipei
Regarding the man who came up with the calendar of the Yellow Emperor.
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Episode 213
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21:42
The "Sweet Dews" Massacre
The Coen Brothers-esque plot of 835 A.D. that backfired spectacularly, and gruesomely...
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Episode 212
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20:27
Prime Minister Li Linfu
The Tang Dynasty prime minister who only hired non-Chinese generals.
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Episode 211
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21:44
Dou Jiande, Chivalric Rebel
The late-Sui rebel leader who lived by the code of the xia.
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Episode 210
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20:58
The Tumu Crisis of 1449
The military fiasco that led to an emperor serving two non-consecutive terms.
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Episode 208
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23:58