Early Life and Marriage of Zhang Yan Zhang Yan, known formally as Empress Xiaohui, was born to Princess Yuan of Lu and Zhang Ao, the Prince of Zhao. Her lineage was notable, as her grandparents were Emperor Gao (Liu Bang) and Empress Lü. In November 192 BC, under Empress Dowager Lü’s insistence, Zhang Yan married…
Emperor Hui of Han (Liu Ying)
Early Life and Ascension of Liu Ying Liu Ying, born in 210 BC during the Qin dynasty, was the second son of Liu Bang, the founder of the Han dynasty, and Empress Lü. Despite not being the eldest son, Liu Ying was designated as the heir due to his mother being Liu Bang’s wife. His…
Emperor Ai of Han
Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Ai of Han Emperor Ai of Han, born Liu Xin in 25 BC, ascended the throne at the age of 20. His uncle, Emperor Cheng, who was childless, named him heir. Emperor Ai reigned from 7 BC to 1 BC. His rise to power was marked by high hopes…
Emperor Yuan of Han
Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Yuan of Han Emperor Yuan of Han, born Liu Shi in 75 BC, came from a lineage marked by tragedy and resilience. His father, Liu Bingyi, survived a brutal purge that claimed his own father, Liu Ju, due to Emperor Wu’s paranoia. Despite these hardships, Liu Shi ascended from…
Emperor Ping of Han
Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Ping of Han Emperor Ping of Han, born Liu Jizi in 9 BC, later known as Liu Kan, was the eleventh emperor of the Han dynasty. He ascended the throne in 1 BC at the tender age of eight after his cousin, Emperor Ai, died childless. Grand Empress Dowager…
Emperor Cheng of Han
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…