Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Cheng of Han
Liu Ao, known as Emperor Cheng of Han, was born around 51 BC to Crown Prince Liu Shi, later Emperor Yuan, and Consort Wang, later Grand Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun. He became the crown prince in 47 BC. Despite family tensions over succession, Emperor Cheng ascended the throne in 33 BC after his father’s death.
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Reign Characterized by Internal Strife
During Emperor Cheng’s reign, the Han dynasty saw increasing disintegration. The emperor’s maternal relatives, the Wang clan, tightened their control over governmental affairs, continuing a trend set by his predecessor. This period was marked by corruption and the outbreak of rebellions across the country. Emperor Cheng’s rule ended without a direct heir, as his two sons with concubines died in infancy under tragic circumstances, influenced by his consort Zhao Hede.
The Growing Power of the Wang Clan
After Emperor Cheng’s accession, the Wang clan’s influence grew significantly. Empress Dowager Wang’s brothers, particularly Wang Feng, Wang Shang, Wang Gen, and later Wang Mang, dominated key military and administrative positions. Despite their efforts to stabilize the emperor’s rule, their focus on consolidating power often overshadowed the broader needs of the empire, leading to continued governance challenges.
The Quest for an Heir
Emperor Cheng’s inability to secure an heir troubled his reign. Despite having multiple consorts, none bore him a surviving son. Around 19 BC, he became enamored with Zhao Feiyan and her sister, Zhao Hede, who then rose to prominence over other consorts. Their influence was instrumental in the false accusations against Empress Xu and Consort Ban, leading to significant changes in the imperial harem’s dynamics. Despite these efforts, the lack of an heir led Emperor Cheng to consider his younger brother and nephew as potential successors.
The Final Years and Legacy
Emperor Cheng died suddenly in 7 BC, with rumors suggesting foul play by Zhao Hede. Following his death, investigations revealed that his consorts had indeed borne him sons who were then eliminated, likely under Zhao Hede’s orders. His nephew, Prince Liu Xin, succeeded him as Emperor Ai, marking a brief continuation of his lineage before the dramatic rise of Wang Mang.
Emperor Cheng’s reign, thus, reflects a period of significant internal conflict and personal tragedies, overshadowed by the overwhelming influence of his maternal relatives and the consequential struggles for power within the Han dynasty.
Sources: Wikipedia
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