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Xiao He
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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
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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.
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The Race for the Throne: The Rise of Emperor Guangwu [Eastern Han]
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Brief: This article narrates Emperor Guangwu’s rise to power. As the Gengshi Emperor collapsed and the Red Eyebrows rebels marched on Chang’an, Liu Xiu secured his rear with Kou Xun and Feng Yi. Urged by his generals, he claimed the Mandate of Heaven, founded the Eastern Han, and set his sights on unifying the…
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The Copper Horse Emperor: How Liu Xiu Forged an Empire in Chaos [Eastern Han]
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Brief: This article tells how Liu Xiu became the “Copper Horse Emperor.” He defeated the pretender Wang Lang, won over Hebei’s warlords, and peacefully absorbed the massive Copper Horse rebel army. His generosity and strategy secured his power. Refusing to serve the weak Gengshi Emperor, he laid the foundation for the Eastern Han.
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The Fall of the Golden Throne [Eastern Han]
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Brief: This article depicts the fall of Wang Mang’s Xin Dynasty. Rebels stormed Chang’an, set fire to Weiyang Palace, and killed Wang Mang at Gradual Terrace. Amid chaos, Liu Xuan became a puppet emperor, while Liu Xiu, aided by loyal Feng Yi, quietly built his strength to restore the Han Dynasty.