introduction
In Chinese history, there is a special emperor who reigned for a very short time, only 27 days, and this emperor is Liu He of the Western Han Dynasty. Liu He's brief reign was full of drama and controversy, especially his dethronement, which became one of the focuses of later studies. This article will explore Liu He's actions during his reign and the reasons why Huo Guang deposed him.
Liu He's background
Liu He was the grandson of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and the son of Liu Ji, the king of Changyi, who died because his uncle Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty had no heirs, and was proclaimed emperor by the powerful minister Huo Guang. However, soon after Liu He ascended the throne, he suffered the fate of being deposed.
Behavior during the reign
According to historical records such as the Book of Han, Liu He's behavior during his reign has been described as absurd, and even somewhat absurd. For example, he disregarded the rules of etiquette and did not abide by the rules of filial piety for the previous emperor; He was also anxious to install his cronies in important positions in the imperial court, intending to establish his sphere of influence. These behaviors were considered to be extremely disrespectful and immoral under the feudal etiquette of the time.
In addition, Liu He was accused of indulging his personal desires too much, such as holding banquets, singing and dancing and other entertainment in the palace, which was considered contrary to the dignified image of the emperor in that era. These actions not only disappointed the government and the opposition, but also laid the groundwork for his deposition.
Huo Guang's character
Huo Guang, as a powerful minister in the late Western Han Dynasty, held actual political power. He was not only the minister of Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty, but also one of the key figures in Liu He's establishment as emperor. The reason why Huo Guang was able to depose Liu He was mainly based on the following aspects:
1. Power base: Huo Guang had a strong military force and political network, and was the de facto supreme power holder at the time.
2. Public opinion support: Liu He's behavior caused dissatisfaction among the government and the opposition, and Huo Guang's move to depose Liu He was supported by most ministers.
3. Legal basis: According to the law of the time, the emperor could be deposed if he had serious moral anomie or was unable to perform his duties.
4. Clan support: Huo Guang also gained the support of other clan members, including the Empress Dowager Shangguan, who agreed to depose Liu He.
Reasons for deposing Liu He
When Huo Guang deposed Liu He, he listed a number of crimes, including but not limited to "being unscrupulous and unscrupulous, and not protecting the community." Huo Guang is said to have pointed out 1,127 wrongs during Liu He's reign, and although the veracity of this number is questionable, it reflects Huo Guang's extreme dissatisfaction with Liu He's actions.
#### Conclusion
Behind Liu He's deposition was not only the factors of his personal behavior, but also the influence of the complex political environment at the time. Huo Guang's deposition of Liu He, although to a certain extent in line with the etiquette system of the time, also reflected the cruelty of the power struggle. Liu He's story is not only a lament for personal fate, but also a profound revelation of the political complexities of ancient Chinese court.