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Emperor Guangwu and his friend Yan Ziling [Eastern Han]
This article tells the story of Emperor Guangwu and his friend Yan Ziling. After unifying the Han, Guangwu ruled with frugality and tax relief. He searched nationwide for his old classmate Yan, who chose a hermit’s life over high office. Their respectful friendship became a timeless model of virtue and humility.
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Long and Shu: Emperor Guangwu’s Final Campaigns to Reunify China [Eastern Han]
This article covers Emperor Guangwu’s final campaigns to reunify China. He defeated warlords Wei Xiao of Longyou and Gongsun Shu of Shu, aided by defectors like Ma Yuan and allies such as Dou Rong. After conquering Long and Shu, Guangwu ended years of division and restored the Eastern Han dynasty.
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The Seizure of Two Capitals: Chang’an and Luoyang [Eastern Han]
This article recounts the fall of the Gengshi regime and the rise of Emperor Guangwu. The Red Eyebrows rebels seized Chang’an and installed a puppet emperor. Meanwhile, Guangwu captured Luoyang and established the Eastern Han. His generals Deng Yu and Feng Yi defeated the rebels, unifying the two capitals and laying the foundation for…
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Xiao He
Xiao He (?–193 BCE) was a prominent statesman in the early Western Han dynasty. He was born in Zhongyang Village, Fengyi, Pei County (in present-day Feng County, Jiangsu). During the Qin dynasty, he served as a low-ranking clerk in the Pei County government.
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Sima Qian
Sima Qian (c. 145 or 135 BCE – ?) was a preeminent historian and literary figure of the Western Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Zichang, and he was born in Xiayang (south of present-day Hancheng, Shaanxi). He was the son of Sima Tan, the Grand Historian (Taishi) of Emperor Wu’s court.