Story collection
Six guided readings in the HSK 5 support band about close-quarters advantage and influence.
偷梁换柱
Read the stratagem 偷梁换柱 and learn how secretly swapping the most important part can change everything, with the classic story of the forged imperial edict and a modern example.
指桑骂槐
Discover the idiom 指桑骂槐 and how people criticize one person to warn another, with the classic story of Yan Ying's indirect remonstrance and everyday examples for Mandarin learners.
假痴不癫
Read the story behind 假痴不癫, a stratagem about hiding your true ability by pretending to be foolish, with the classic tale of Sima Yi feigning illness to overthrow Cao Shuang and modern uses.
上屋抽梯
Study the stratagem 上屋抽梯 and how cutting off someone's retreat gives you control, with the classic story of Liu Qi and the strategist Zhuge Liang, plus a modern cautionary example.
树上开花
Discover the idiom 树上开花 and how decoration can make a weak side look strong, with Zhang Fei's famous dust trick at Changban Bridge and a modern business example.
反客为主
Read the story behind 反客为主, a stratagem about a guest who gradually takes control and becomes the master, with the classic tale of Yuan Shao seizing Ji Province and a workplace example.