The Xuanwu Gate Incident, with Julie Leung (episode 11)

Written By Val Howlett

Children’s author extraordinaire Julie Leung shares the fascinating story of her work-in-progress, a middle grade series about a Chinese American girl traveling back in time to various Chinese dynasties. The dynasty Julie focuses on in her first book is the Tang dynasty, and in this episode, Julie tells us the story of Emperor Gaozu’s three sons: Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, and Li Yuanji, and their fight for the throne. We get into other fascinating aspects of Chinese history, as well as the challenges and surprise revelations of learning your own cultural history as an adult. 



SHOW NOTES:

You can find a list of Chinese dynasties and their corresponding time periods on PBS.org and many other sites. 

Yu Chigong and Qin Qiong were the generals that guarded Emperor Gaozu (formerly ​​Li Shimin). They are now common door gods. You can watch a video about the history of door gods on youtube, on VisitChinaTV. 

Yu Chigong and Qin Qiong were the generals that guarded Emperor Gaozu (formerly ​​Li Shimin). They are now common door gods. You can watch a video about the history of door gods on youtube, on VisitChinaTV. 

Mythology Source offers a brief overview of the 8 Immortals, including Julie’s family’s patron immortal, Lu Dongbin. 

Art of Lu Dongbin that I found on google images

Art of Lu Dongbin that I found on google images

The Qingming festival, known as Tomb-Sweeping Day in English, occurs on the 4, 5 or 6 April in a given year. 

Thanks to listener Katie Molski for guiding us through the research hole of fan history! She graciously provided some links for us: 

Val Howlett
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