Liu Xuan

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • The Race for the Throne: The Rise of Emperor Guangwu [Eastern Han]

    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…

  • The Copper Horse Emperor: How Liu Xiu Forged an Empire in Chaos [Eastern Han]

    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.

  • 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 Rise of Liu Brothers [Eastern Han]

    Brief: This article traces the rise of the Liu brothers – Liu Yan and Liu Xiu – who rebelled against Wang Mang’s Xin Dynasty. They allied with Lulin peasant armies, won key battles, and helped enthrone Liu Xuan as the Gengshi Emperor. Though sidelined, the brothers laid the groundwork for the Eastern Han restoration.

  • The Rise of the Lulin Heroes [Eastern Han]

    Brief: This article tells the rise of the Lulin Heroes. Famine and Wang Mang’s harsh rule sparked a peasant rebellion led by Wang Kuang and Wang Feng. They won battles, allied with other rebels, and gained Han royal Liu Xuan as a leader. Their movement became the vanguard that toppled the Xin Dynasty and…