Emperor Wen of Han (202 BCE – 157 BCE) is the fifth emperor of the Han Dynasty in China.
His given name is Heng.
Liu Heng is a son of Emperor Gao of Han and Consort Bo, later empress dowager.
When Emperor Gao of Han suppresses the rebellion of Dai, he creates Liu Heng Prince of Dai.
After Empress Dowager Lü's death, the officials eliminate the powerful Lü clan, and deliberately choose the Prince of Dai as the emperor, since his mother, Consort Bo, has no powerful relatives, and her family is known for its humility and thoughtfulness.
His reign brings a much needed political stability that lays the groundwork for prosperity under his grandson Emperor Wu.
According to historians, Emperor Wen trusted and consulted with ministers on state affairs; under the influence of his Taoist wife, Empress Dou, the emperor also sought to avoid wasteful expenditures.
Historians noted that the tax rates were at a ratio of "1 out of 30" and "1 out of 60", corresponding to 3.33% and 1.67%, respectively.
(These rates are not for income taxes, but property taxes, as the only ancient Chinese attempt to levy an income tax would come in the time of Wang Mang.)
Warehouses were so full of grain, that some of it was left to decay.
In a move of lasting importance in 165 BCE, Emperor Wen introduced recruitment to the civil service through examinations.
Previously, potential officials never sat for any sort of academic examinations.
Their names were sent by local officials to the central government based on reputations and abilities, which were sometimes judged subjectively.
