Huo Guang
Charged by Emperor Wu of Han's deathbed edict, he was regent for twenty years, deposed and enthroned emperors, and ushered in the Zhao–Xuan Restoration.
Life
Entrusted with the heir by Emperor Wu
Huo Guang was Huo Qubing's half-brother. He served Emperor Wu of Han in the palace for more than twenty years, known for his caution and never making a mistake. Before dying, Emperor Wu had a painting made of the Duke of Zhou carrying King Cheng on his back to receive the lords' homage and gave it to him, and Huo Guang became Grand Marshal and Grand General, assisting the eight-year-old Emperor Zhao of Han.
Regency and Deposing an Emperor
He disagreed with Sang Hongyang and others on policy, and under Emperor Zhao convened the Salt and Iron Debate, easing the heavy taxes and corvée of Emperor Wu's later years and letting the people recover. When Shangguan Jie, Sang Hongyang and others plotted to depose the emperor, he foiled them and had them executed. After Emperor Zhao died he enthroned Liu He, King of Changyi, but deposed him twenty-seven days later for debauchery and misrule, and installed Emperor Wu's great-grandson Liu Xun as Emperor Xuan.
Clan Exterminated after Death
Under Emperor Xuan he still controlled the government, and after his death in 68 BCE he received a funeral of the highest honor. But his wife had poisoned Empress Xu and his family grew arrogant, and two years later the Huo clan was exterminated for rebellion.
Legacy
While Huo Guang served as regent, the Western Han recovered its strength, a period known to history as the "Zhao–Xuan Restoration"; "the deeds of Yi and Huo" (Yi Yin and Huo Guang) became a byword for powerful ministers deposing and enthroning emperors. When Emperor Xuan had portraits of meritorious officials painted in the Qilin Pavilion, Huo Guang ranked first, and only his offices and titles were inscribed, not his name.
Major works & achievements
- Assisted Emperor Zhao and Emperor Xuan of Han
- Oversaw recovery after the Salt and Iron Debate
Did you know? Liu He, whom he deposed, was the "Marquis of Haihun," whose tomb was excavated in Nanchang, Jiangxi, in 2015.
Key dates
- 87 BCENamed regent in Emperor Wu's last edict
- 81 BCESalt and Iron Debate
- 80 BCEFoiled the plot of Shangguan Jie and Sang Hongyang
- 74 BCEDeposed the King of Changyi and enthroned Emperor Xuan of Han
- 68 BCEDied
- 66 BCEHuo clan exterminated