Eastern Han

  • Liu Yuan and the Rebirth of an Empire [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    Brief: This article traces Liu Yuan’s rise from a Xiongnu hostage in Luoyang to founder of the Han Kingdom. Amid the War of the Eight Princes, he united tribes, adopted Han legitimacy, and challenged Western Jin. His bold reign launched the era of the Sixteen Kingdoms and reshaped China’s north.

  • Unbending Justice and the Virtues of Restraint: The Legacy of Emperor Guangwu [Eastern Han]

    Brief: This article honors Emperor Guangwu’s legacy of justice and restraint. After unifying Eastern Han, he disbanded armies, upheld the law fearlessly – praising officials like the “Iron-Necked Magistrate” who dared defy nobles – and handled royal succession with wisdom. His rule brought peace and renewal, shaping the dynasty’s early prosperity.

  • Emperor Guangwu and his friend Yan Ziling [Eastern Han]

    Brief: 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.

  • Long and Shu: Emperor Guangwu’s Final Campaigns to Reunify China [Eastern Han]

    Brief: 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.

  • The Seizure of Two Capitals: Chang’an and Luoyang [Eastern Han]

    Brief: 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…

  • Bean Porridge and Barley Rice: The Hardship That Forged an Emperor [Eastern Han]

    Brief: This article recounts Liu Xiu’s desperate flight from the false emperor Wang Lang. Starving and homeless, he survived on bean porridge and barley rice, relying on loyal followers like Deng Yu and Feng Yi. Through courage and wit, he escaped danger and found a base at Xindu, laying the groundwork for Eastern Han’s…

  • The Fall of the Golden Throne [Eastern Han]

    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.

  • The Battle of Kunyang [Eastern Han]

    Brief: This article records the legendary Battle of Kunyang. Liu Xiu led 9,000 defenders against Wang Mang’s 420,000‑strong army. A sudden storm turned the tide; the Xin army was destroyed. Though Liu Xiu won glory, his brother was executed by the Gengshi Emperor. He hid his grief and bided his time to restore the…

  • The Cao Quan Stele [Chinese calligraphy]

    The Cao Quan Stele, formally titled “The Stele of Cao Quan, Magistrate of Heyang in the Han Dynasty,” was erected in 185 CE during the Eastern Han Dynasty by Wang Chang and others to commemorate the achievements and virtues of Cao Quan, who served as the magistrate of Heyang. The inscription on the stele…