The Precarious Succession Crisis
In 74 BCE, the Han Dynasty faced a pivotal moment when Emperor Zhao died at just 23 years old without an heir. This unexpected death created a dangerous power vacuum in one of China’s most powerful dynasties. The court was thrown into turmoil as Grand General Huo Guang and other ministers scrambled to find a suitable successor from the imperial Liu family.
The only surviving son of Emperor Wu was Liu Xu, the King of Guangling. However, Huo Guang harbored deep reservations about Liu Xu’s temperament and behavior, which had previously displeased Emperor Wu. The situation mirrored ancient Zhou dynasty precedents where unsuitable elder heirs were passed over in favor of more capable younger ones. A court official’s memorial advocating this approach conveniently aligned with Huo Guang’s thinking, and he quickly promoted the official while arranging for Liu He, the King of Changyi, to be summoned to the capital.
The Notorious Reign of Liu He
Liu He arrived in Chang’an with all the pomp befitting an emperor-in-waiting – his procession of seven carriages even surpassed the six used when Emperor Wen was welcomed. However, warnings about his character preceded him. As King of Changyi, Liu He had been notoriously unrestrained, continuing his hunting excursions even during the national mourning period for Emperor Wu. His advisor Wang Ji had cautioned him about proper conduct, to which Liu He paid lip service while continuing his dissolute ways.
The court soon discovered they had installed a disaster. Liu He proved to be a ruler of spectacular incompetence and debauchery. He:
– Failed to observe proper mourning rituals
– Indulged in feasts with meat during the mourning period
– Improperly handled the imperial seal
– Allowed his Changyi retainers to run amok in the palace
– Engaged in inappropriate games and entertainments
– Had improper relations with palace women
– Issued a staggering 1,127 improper edicts in just 27 days
His chief advisor Gong Sui tried desperately to reform the new emperor, even interpreting ominous dreams as heavenly warnings about Liu He’s misrule. When a bloodstain appeared on the emperor’s mat, Gong Sui wailed that it portended the palace’s imminent destruction. Yet all warnings fell on deaf ears.
The Dramatic Overthrow
Huo Guang watched in horror as Liu He’s reign spiraled out of control. After consulting trusted officials like Tian Yannian and recalling the precedent of the Shang dynasty’s Yi Yin deposing the unworthy King Tai Jia, Huo Guang resolved to act.
In a carefully orchestrated coup:
1. Huo Guang isolated Liu He from his Changyi supporters
2. The empress dowager was brought to the capital to legitimize the action
3. An armed assembly of officials confronted Liu He with a list of his crimes
4. The empress dowager pronounced the deposition order
When Liu He protested that “a son of heaven with seven remonstrating ministers cannot lose the empire,” Huo Guang sharply reminded him he was no longer emperor. The imperial seal was removed, and Liu He was escorted back to his residence as a commoner. His 200+ Changyi officials were executed, except for those like Gong Sui who had tried to curb his excesses.
The Rise of Emperor Xuan
With the throne vacant again, Huo Guang and his advisors sought a more suitable candidate. Court administrator Bing Ji recommended Liu Bingyi (later Emperor Xuan), a great-grandson of Emperor Wu who had survived the witchcraft persecutions that killed his family.
Liu Bingyi’s remarkable backstory included:
– Being rescued as an infant from prison by Bing Ji
– Being raised by commoners and former palace staff
– Receiving an excellent education despite his humble circumstances
– Developing firsthand knowledge of common people’s lives
His modest upbringing and education made him a stark contrast to Liu He. When brought to court, the 18-year-old impressed officials with his knowledge of classics and measured demeanor. After being enfeoffed as Marquis of Yangwu to maintain protocol, he ascended the throne as Emperor Xuan.
The Lasting Impact
This dramatic episode had profound consequences:
1. Consolidation of Huo Guang’s Power: The general’s authority reached its zenith after installing two emperors, though this would later contribute to his family’s downfall.
2. Imperial Succession Precedents: The events established that ministers could remove unfit emperors, creating a crucial check on imperial power.
3. Emperor Xuan’s Reign: The new emperor’s unique background led to more pragmatic policies attuned to commoners’ needs, helping stabilize the dynasty.
4. Historical Lessons: The story became a classic case study about the dangers of irresponsible leadership and the qualities needed in rulers.
The 27-day reign of Liu He stands as one of history’s most spectacular political failures, while Emperor Xuan’s subsequent 25-year rule demonstrated how the right leader could transform crisis into opportunity. The episode reveals the delicate balance of power in imperial China between emperors, ministers, and institutional norms that could make or break dynasties.