Emperor Xuan of Han (91 BCE – 49 BCE) is an emperor of the Chinese Han Dynasty from 74 BCE to 49 BCE.
His life story is a riches-to-rags-to-riches tale.
Emperor Xuan is the great grandson of Emperor Wu.
His grandfather, son of Emperor Wu and Empress Wei, Liu Ju was once the crown prince of Emperor Wu but in 91 BC he had been accused of witchcraft practice against the Emperor and, after being forced into a failed rebellion, committed suicide; Emperor Xuan's father Liu Jin also died, although it is not clear whether he committed suicide or was killed by pursuing soldiers.
Emperor Xuan was only an infant at the time and hence he was spared (but only barely) and was banished to live as a commoner.
After Emperor He's short reign of only 27 days in 74 BCE, Xuan is declared emperor by Huo Guang (the half-brother of Huo Qubing).
Emperor Xuan is considered a hardworking and brilliant emperor.
Because Xuan had grown up as a commoner, he thoroughly understands the suffering of his people.
He lowers taxes, liberalizes the government and employs capable ministers to the government.
In addition, Emperor Xuan is open to suggestions, is a good judge of character, and consolidatea his power by eliminating corrupt officials, including the Huo family, which had exerted considerable power since the death of Emperor Wu, after Huo Guang's death.
However, his execution of the entire Huo clan later draws heavy criticism from historians for its ungratefulness to Huo Guang.
(e.g., Sima Guang in his Zizhi Tongjian.)
Under Emperor Xuan, the Han dynasty prospers economically and militarily.
