A Succession Crisis in the Western Han Dynasty

The death of Emperor Zhao of Han (Liu Fuling) in 74 BCE left the Western Han Dynasty in a precarious position. With no heir from Empress Shangguan, the powerful regent Huo Guang faced a dilemma reminiscent of Empress Lü Zhi’s reign—selecting a new emperor from the Liu imperial clan. The only surviving son of Emperor Wu, Liu Xu, the King of Guangling, was deemed unfit due to his notorious recklessness and low intelligence. The court needed an alternative.

Enter Liu He, the King of Changyi. As the son of Liu Bo (Emperor Wu’s fifth son) and a nephew of Emperor Zhao, Liu He seemed a viable candidate. But was he truly suitable?

The Unlikely Emperor: Liu He’s Ascension

Liu He was far from an ideal ruler. Even during Emperor Wu’s mourning period, he had indulged in hunting and pleasure trips, ignoring decorum. Yet, Huo Guang saw him as pliable—a young, impressionable figure who could be controlled. Unlike the physically imposing and independent Liu Xu, Liu He posed no immediate threat to Huo Guang’s dominance.

When summoned to the capital, Liu He eagerly set off, disregarding proper mourning etiquette. His advisor, Wang Ji, warned him to behave solemnly and defer to Huo Guang in all matters. But Liu He ignored the advice, continuing his extravagant behavior—seizing women, collecting curiosities, and even kicking out the imperial charioteer to replace him with his own servant.

Upon arriving in Chang’an, Liu He performed a perfunctory mourning ritual, shedding only a few forced tears. Despite his blatant disrespect, Huo Guang proceeded with the coronation on June 1, 74 BCE. Little did Liu He know his reign would last just 27 days.

The Reign of Excess and Rebellion

Liu He treated the throne as an extension of his hedonistic lifestyle. He filled the court with his Changyi cronies, disregarding established ministers. His behavior alienated the bureaucracy, particularly Huo Guang, who realized the new emperor was not the puppet he had envisioned.

When Liu He’s advisor warned him of impending danger—citing a dream of swarming flies as an omen—Liu He dismissed the warning. His refusal to curb his excesses sealed his fate.

The Coup: Huo Guang’s Masterstroke

Huo Guang, fearing a loss of control, conspired with key officials to depose Liu He. Citing historical precedent (the Shang Dynasty’s Yi Yin deposing King Tai Jia), he justified the coup. The plan was set in motion when a minister, Xia Hou Sheng, cryptically warned Liu He of a rebellion—a prophecy that alarmed Huo Guang into swift action.

On June 28, 74 BCE, Huo Guang convened the court and accused Liu He of 1,127 offenses—ranging from debauchery to administrative negligence. Empress Dowager Shangguan, a mere figurehead, ratified the deposition. Stripped of the imperial seal, Liu He was escorted out of the palace, remarking bitterly: “A ruler with seven remonstrating ministers does not lose his empire, no matter how unworthy he is.”

Aftermath and Legacy

Liu He was exiled but spared execution, living out his days in obscurity. His brief reign, however, cemented Huo Guang’s supremacy. The episode demonstrated the fragility of imperial authority when contested by powerful regents.

Historically, Liu He’s story serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked power and political maneuvering. His deposition marked a pivotal moment in Han Dynasty politics, reinforcing the influence of court factions over the throne. Modern scholars debate whether he was truly incompetent or merely a victim of Huo Guang’s machinations. Either way, his 27-day rule remains one of history’s most dramatic imperial downfalls.

Conclusion: The Emperor Who Never Was

Liu He’s reign—though fleeting—reveals the intricate power struggles of the Western Han Dynasty. His deposition underscored the delicate balance between imperial authority and regent control, a theme that would recur throughout Chinese history. Today, his story endures as a fascinating case study in ambition, hubris, and the precarious nature of absolute power.