Discover the true Dong Zhuo in Chinese History, the infamous warlord behind the video game - Total War: Three Kingdoms. Born in the harsh lands of Liangzhou, Dong Zhuo rose through the imperial army with charisma and brutality, ultimately causing the collapse of the Han Dynasty. In 189 AD, he seized power during a palace coup and replaced the Emperor, becoming the de facto ruler. His ruthless actions and conflicts with figures like Yuan Shao led to a coalition of warlords uniting against him.

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Let's explore the dramatic downfall of the Qin Dynasty, from the death of Qin Shi Huang to the tragic fate of his son, Qin Er Shi. Discover how a powerful empire fell in just 3 years due to brutal policies, nationwide uprisings, and a reign of terror. Dive into the stories of key figures and events that led to the end of the Qin Empire.

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Prologue - The Way to the North In 174 BC, Zhonghang Yue crossed the Great Wall and journeyed north into Mongolia's harsh winter. As part of a "heqin" mission, he accompanied a Han princess sent to marry the Xiongnu leader. This long, perilous journey marked the end of Yue’s life as he knew it.

Part 1 - The Rise of the Xiongnu Yue’s story takes place during the Han Dynasty, which faced constant threats from the Xiongnu nomads. The Xiongnu, led by ruthless leaders like Modu Chanyu, were formidable enemies. The Han’s “heqin” policy aimed to maintain peace through marriage alliances, but those sent on these missions often faced grim fates.

Part 2 - Zhonghang Yue: Forsaken by His Homeland Yue, chosen for the mission against his will, left behind his sister in Chang'an. Struggling with sorrow and hatred, he resolved to take control of his life. His knowledge of Han culture and his debating skills made him a valuable advisor to the Xiongnu leader. Yue’s insights helped strengthen the Xiongnu and posed a significant challenge to the Han Empire.

Final Words - A Traitor or Not? To many, Yue was a traitor. Yet, in his eyes, he had found freedom and respect among the Xiongnu. The simplicity of the Xiongnu society allowed him to realize his potential, something the Han Empire denied him. Yue's story is one of survival and revenge, questioning the true meaning of loyalty and civilization.

Credits

This podcast is recorded and edited by Anthony. The script is authored by Sun Ji and revised by Anthony and David. Special thanks to He Xiao.

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