The Emperor & The Han Dynasty Rules and Information

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The Emperor and the Han Dynasty
Rules and information

Ancient China had a government ruled by dynasties, sometimes united under one dynasty but often competing dynasties in controlling different regions. Due to the sheer land mass of China, and the diverse population a strong central government was required to control the country. The government tended to be very autocratic, and ruthless in their rule often willing to undertake "necessary evils" to keep the peace from rebellions and invasions.

Important note:
Confucianism was developed in Ancient China which is a philosophy stressing virtue, good governance and merit based promotion for government offices. Emperors and officials were to be virtuous and effective, models for their subjects. This is particularly important to understand, when looking at the events leading up to, and including, the Three Kingdoms Era itself. 

What is the Han Dynasty?

The Han Dynasty is the second imperial dynasty of Ancient China ruled by the Liu family. The early Han Dynasty was an economic prosperous one, with many advances such as the discover of rubber, paper making and the use of negative numbers in mathematics. Historically the Han Dynasty is known as the 'Golden Age' and spans over 4 decades.

The government is fundamentally ruled by the Emperor, although it is not uncommon for the Son of Heaven to delegate much of the decision-making to a court of officials. These officials are often from affluent families and historically include the likes of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. As you would expect, rich families would take an interest in their own matters and corruption was particularly rife which adds fuel to the fire in reference to the Yellow Turban Rebellion with the common folk being the ones missing out.

Important note:
The Han is the strongest faction at present within the site, both with military and economic strength. 

What is an Emperor?

Often referred to as the 'The Son of Heaven', the Emperor is the apex of the state. He answers to the Gods only. The Emperor has come to power either through hereditary family right (such as Emperor Ling) or because they have conquered and seize control of China.

Important note: Often before coming of age an Emperor would have a regent. This would most often be the former Emperor's wife and the current ones mother, commonly referred to as a Dowager. Women at this time could not be Emperors - however our site does not enforce this rule.


Who is Emperor Ling?

Emperor Ling, or birth name Liu Dong is the current Emperor of China. He inherited the throne from a young age, and his mother acted as Empress Dowager (Queen Regent) until he came of age.

Around this time and handful of terribly powerful and corrupt eunuchs' were exploiting the power of the government. Through bribery and blackmail they were able to control much of what was happening in the capital, and in the country. Emperor Ling was sidelined, and took an interest in heavy spending on imperial gardens forcing his subjects to pay tribute to him in order to fund such schemes.

Emperor Ling's excess spending led to the royal treasury running dry, and he sought other ways to fund his hobby. By 178 Ling greatly damaged the authority of the imperial Han government by selling offices and seats of power for money. He also allowed people who did not have the money to start installment payment plans even after they were in office. Not only did he upset the ruling elite who had always existed in power due to the riches their families had amassed, but also the eunuchs who did not authorize this decision.

By 180 AD, Emperor Ling had married and appointed Consort He as his new empress. Her brother He Jin was given a key official position within his government, which many have suggested her family bribed the eunuchs. Consort He gave birth to Emperor Ling's son Liu Bian, who would be next in line to throne.

How does this affect me?

The Emperor holds ultimate power within China. His word is the divine right of the Heavens, and should be followed. Disobedience, slander or lack of loyalty shown towards an Emperor CAN and WILL lead to death. In character opinions of the Han, or the Emperor should be kept under lock and key to best save face. Alternatively the Emperor has the ability to bestow power upon you, whether it be land, money, titles or glory.

You should:
Always support his claim to the throne
Obey his calls to arms
Put down his enemies
Praise his benevolent rule
Pay your taxes
Tribute to glory
Sacrifice animals in his name

You shouldn't:
Ignore his desires
Avoid paying him
Criticize him publicly
Attack his family/loyal subjects
Practice religions he does not recognize
Incite rebellion or break the peace

Rules and information produced by Colby