Emperor Qianshao of Han facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emperor Qianshao of Han |
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| Huangdi (皇帝) | |||||
| Emperor of the Han dynasty | |||||
| Reign | 188 – 15 June 184 BC | ||||
| Predecessor | Emperor Hui | ||||
| Successor | Emperor Houshao and Empress Lü (as Empress regent) | ||||
| Regent | Empress Lü | ||||
| Born | 193 BC | ||||
| Died | 15 June 184 BC (aged about 8–9) | ||||
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| House | Liu | ||||
| Dynasty | Han (Western Han) | ||||
| Father | Emperor Hui | ||||
Emperor Qianshao of Han (born Liu Gong) was the third emperor of the Han dynasty in ancient China. He was born around 193 BC and passed away on June 15, 184 BC, when he was about eight or nine years old.
Emperor Qianshao was the son of Emperor Hui. He was adopted by Emperor Hui's wife, Empress Zhang Yan. Sadly, his grandmother, Empress Lü, ordered his birth mother to be killed.
Becoming Emperor
We don't know much about Emperor Qianshao's life. Only a few important events from his life are recorded.
In 188 BC, his father Emperor Hui passed away. Emperor Qianshao had already been chosen as the crown prince, so he became the new emperor. However, his grandmother, Empress Lü, was very powerful. She took charge of all government matters. This meant that Emperor Qianshao was emperor in name, but Empress Lü made all the decisions.
A Secret Revealed
Around 184 BC, Emperor Qianshao found out a shocking secret. He learned that Empress Zhang was not his real mother. He also discovered that his birth mother had been killed.
Emperor Qianshao was very upset. He made a mistake by saying that when he grew up, he would make those who killed his mother pay for it.
Empress Lü's Actions
When Grand Empress Dowager Lü heard what Emperor Qianshao said, she quickly took action. She had him secretly locked away inside the palace. Publicly, she announced that the emperor was very sick and could not see anyone.
After some time, Empress Lü told the officials that Emperor Qianshao was still ill and unable to rule. She also claimed he was having mental health problems. She suggested that he should be removed from the throne and replaced by someone else. The officials agreed with her wishes.
Emperor Qianshao was then removed from power and sadly put to death. His brother, Liu Yi, became the next emperor on June 15, 184 BC. Liu Yi's name was later changed to Liu Hong.
His Place in History
Because Emperor Qianshao was so young and his grandmother, Grand Empress Dowager Lü, controlled everything, he is often seen as just a puppet ruler. For this reason, his name is sometimes left out of the official lists of Han dynasty emperors.
See also
- Family tree of the Han dynasty
