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The Gengshi Emperor’s Downfall Begins In early 24 CE, Liu Xuan, the Gengshi Emperor, moved his capital from Luoyang to Chang’an, likely seeking greater security (sidenote: Dong Zhuo did the same in the end of the Easter Han). At first, he governed with surprising competence: he forbade looting, restored order, rewarded loyalists, reinstated Han…
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A Foothold in Xindu After their grueling flight through Hebei, Liu Xiu and his exhausted band were warmly welcomed into Xindu by Governor Ren Guang and Pi Tong of Hucheng. There, they convened to plan the campaign against the false emperor Wang Lang. Pi Tong urged bold action: “If the Grand Marshal raises his…