Dong Xian facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dong Xian
Dong Xian as depicted in the Wu Shuang Pu (無雙譜, Table of Peerless Heroes) by Jin Guliang
Born	22 BC
Died	16 August 1 BC (aged 21)
Occupation	Commander of the armed forces
Spouse(s)	Married
Partner(s)	Emperor Ai of Han

Dong Xian (董賢) (22 BC – 16 August 1 BC) was an important politician during the Han dynasty in ancient China. He started as a minor official but quickly became one of the most powerful people in the government under Emperor Ai. This happened over just a few years because the emperor trusted him completely and had a very close friendship with him.

Many historians believe that Dong Xian's fast rise in his career was mostly due to his special bond with Emperor Ai. Both men were married, but Emperor Ai did not have any children.

There's a famous story in Chinese about great friendship, called duanxiu zhi pi (斷袖之癖). This means "passion of the cut sleeve." It comes from an event involving Dong Xian and Emperor Ai. They often shared a sleeping mat. One afternoon, Emperor Ai woke up from a nap, but Dong Xian was still asleep. The emperor's sleeve was stuck under Dong Xian's head. Instead of waking his friend, Emperor Ai quietly cut off his sleeve so Dong Xian could keep sleeping peacefully. This story shows how much the emperor cared for Dong Xian. Dong Xian is shown in a famous book called the Wu Shuang Pu (Table of Peerless Heroes) by Jin Guliang.

Starting His Career

We don't know exactly when Dong Xian became a government official. But we do know that early in Emperor Ai's rule (which was from 7 BC to 1 BC), Dong Xian was a minor imperial secretary. He worked alongside a famous scholar named Yang Xiong.

By 4 BC, when he was 18 years old, Dong Xian had become an imperial attendant. He was also in charge of the emperor's horses. His close friendship with Emperor Ai helped him gain a lot of power and respect very quickly.

Close Friendship with Emperor Ai and Rise to Power

Around 4 BC, Dong Xian became a favorite of Emperor Ai. It was said that whenever Emperor Ai left the palace, Dong Xian would go with him. When the emperor returned, Dong Xian would stay by his side. Emperor Ai gave Dong Xian large amounts of money and gifts. Dong Xian's wife was even allowed to enter and leave the palace whenever she wanted, which was very unusual. She also lived with Dong Xian inside the palace.

Emperor Ai also made Dong Xian's sister an imperial consort, a very important title just below the empress. This meant that three members of the Dong family—Dong Xian, his wife, and his sister—spent almost all their time near the emperor. Dong Xian's father, Dong Gong, was made a minister and given an honorary title.

Emperor Ai even ordered a grand house to be built for Dong Xian right outside the main imperial palace. This house was so big and fancy that it was like a palace itself. Emperor Ai also gave Dong Xian the best weapons and most valuable jewels from the royal treasury. Dong Xian's possessions were even more precious than what Emperor Ai himself used. The emperor also prepared special burial tools for Dong Xian and had his future tomb built right next to Emperor Ai's own tomb.

In 3 BC, Emperor Ai wanted to make Dong Xian a marquess, a high noble title, but needed a good reason. A plan was made where it was claimed that Dong Xian had helped uncover a plot against the emperor. Because of this, Dong Xian was made a marquess.

Many officials tried to stop Dong Xian from gaining so much power. They asked Emperor Ai not to give him so many rewards. These officials often faced punishment for speaking out. It seems Emperor Ai was upset that they criticized his close friend, so he punished them.

Some of these officials included:

• Zheng Chong, a palace secretary, who was arrested and died in prison.
• Sun Bao, a governor, who tried to help Zheng and lost his job.
• Wujiang Long, a security chief, who refused to give weapons to Dong Xian and was demoted.
• Wang Jia, the prime minister, who tried many times to prevent Dong Xian from becoming a marquess. He was imprisoned and died in prison. Even Emperor Ai's own uncle, Ding Ming, who was the commander of the armed forces, was removed from his post because he was friends with Wang Jia and saddened by his death.

However, one official named Wang Hong, who was related to the Grand Empress Dowager, also made similar requests but was not punished. Emperor Ai was impressed by his bravery, but he still did not follow Wang Hong's advice.

On January 30, 1 BC, Emperor Ai made Dong Xian the commander of the armed forces. This was one of the three highest positions in the government. Dong Xian was only 22 years old at the time. The emperor's official order said:

Heaven gave you to be the helper for the Han Dynasty. I know your faithfulness, and I hope that you can guide the great affairs of the empire and follow what is good.

The words in this order were very special and usually used when an emperor passed his throne to a successor. This greatly surprised everyone who read it.

Even after reaching such a high position, Dong Xian continued to stay with Emperor Ai in the palace all the time. He did not spend much time on the important duties of his new job. At the same time, his father, Dong Gong, received an honorary position, and his younger brother, Dong Kuanxin, took over Dong Xian's old job of managing the imperial horses. Many other members of the Dong family also received important government jobs.

Death

In August 1 BC, Emperor Ai suddenly died at the age of 24. He had no children to take over the throne. Dong Xian, as the commander of the armed forces, was the most powerful official in the court. But he was shocked and unsure what to do after the emperor's sudden death.

The Grand Empress Dowager Wang, who was Emperor Ai's step-grandmother, took quick action. She went to the palace and took control of the imperial seal, which was a symbol of power. She then called Dong Xian, who was completely surprised and couldn't react. The Grand Empress Dowager also called her nephew, Wang Mang, back to the palace. She then transferred control of the imperial guard from Dong Xian to Wang Mang.

Wang Mang then ordered an official complaint to be made against Dong Xian. It accused Dong Xian of not taking care of Emperor Ai when he was sick. Dong Xian was not allowed to enter the palace anymore and lost his job the next day. Dong Xian and his wife died that night and were buried. The entire Dong family was sent away to a distant place, and all their wealth was taken by the government.

Images for kids

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  Dong Xian as depicted in the Wu Shuang Pu (Table of Peerless Heroes)

See also

In Spanish: Dong Xian para niños