Zhangdi
Zhangdi, known as JAHNG-dee, was the fifth son of Emperor Mingdi of the Han Dynasty and Lady Jia, who was also connected by family ties to the empress. Zhangdi became heir apparent at a young age in 60 CE, and he ascended to the throne on September 5, 75 CE. His reign was characterized by relative peace in China, enhancements in southern land communication, and successful military endeavors in Central Asia, notably under General Ban Chao. Despite these achievements, Zhangdi's personal life was marked by familial and political complexities, particularly concerning his succession plans. He initially designated his third son, Liu Qing, as his heir, but after the death of Empress Ma, the power dynamics shifted, leading to the Empress Dou favoring her own son, Hedi. This shift signified a decline in the influence of Empress Ma's family, shaping the political landscape of the court. Following Zhangdi's death, the dowager empress's power notably increased, indicating a significant transition in Han court politics.
Zhangdi
Related civilizations: Han Dynasty, China
Major role/position: Ruler
Life
Zhangdi (JAHNG-dee) was the fifth son of the emperor Mingdi (r. 58-75 c.e.) and his concubine Lady Jia, first cousin of Mingdi’s childless empress Ma. The two women worked out a power-sharing arrangement whereby Zhangdi became heir apparent on April 8, 60 c.e., the same day that Ma was enthroned as empress. Ma had primary responsibility for the rearing of the future emperor.
Zhangdi became emperor of the Han Dynasty on September 5, 75 c.e. In 77 c.e., he accepted as concubines two sisters from the Dou clan that rivaled the Ma. The elder Dou eventually became the emperor’s consort, but no sons were born of this union. In 79 c.e., Zhangdi proclaimed as his heir Liu Qing, his third son, whose mother had been introduced into the emperor’s harem by the Empress Ma. Later in the same year, however, Ma died, and the Empress Dou replaced Liu Qing as heir apparent with the emperor’s fourth son, Hedi, whose mother was allied with the Dou. This marked the end of Ma political power. The Empress Dou raised Hedi, whose mother had died by 83 c.e.
Despite these dynastic intrigues, the reign of Zhangdi was marked by peace within China, significant improvement in land communication in the south, and successful military campaigns in Central Asia under general Ban Chao.
Influence
Following Zhangdi’s death, the power of the dowager empress increased significantly at the Chinese court.
Bibliography
Hucker, Charles O. China’s Imperial Past. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 1975.
Paludau, Ann. Chronicle of the Chinese Emperors. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1998.