Empire of Hanchao

The Qin Dynasty came to an end in 206 BCE, after rebellions led by various factions that opposed the harsh rule of the Qin. This period gave rise to the Han Dynasty, which succeeded the Qin.

Han empire

# The Empire Rises

Emperor Gaozu \*\* Liu Bang\*\*, established a stable government that emphasized Confucian principles. His reign focused on restoring order and reducing the centralization of power.

Emperor Wu's reign was marked by territorial expansion and consolidation. He conducted successful military campaigns against the Xiongnu, expanding the empire's boundaries. The Silk Road, an essential trade route, was further developed during his rule.

# Taoism

In the year 142 CE, Tao devised a plan to expand the ideas of the Order of the Keepers of the Flame, taking on the identity of Laozi, a revered philosophical master from centuries earlier. Tao's mission was to shape the course of history, and she did so by manipulating a man named Zhang Daoling, who was unaware of her true nature.

Under the guise of Laozi, Tao convinced Zhang Daoling to carry out her agenda. She positioned herself as the puppeteer behind the scenes, guiding Zhang with her wisdom and teachings. Her instructions to Zhang led to the creation of a new religious order known as the Celestial Masters.

# The Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion

As the first Celestial Master, Zhang followed Tao's commands diligently, gathering followers who embraced the teachings of the Celestial Masters. The movement rapidly gained followers and influence. Their rebellion against the Han dynasty, known as the Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion, resulted in the establishment of the state of Zhang Han in the Hanzhong Valley of Sichuan.

The Celestial Masters incorporated various elements into their religious practices, including Daoist writings and elements from other traditions. They upheld moral principles through their 180 precepts, governing behavior and prohibiting the accumulation of wealth.

Tao's movement continued to spread in various regions, the Celestial Masters developed distinct rituals and ceremonies, utilizing specialized chambers and specific attire.

# Buddhist - Taoist War

Taoism Celestial Masters, found itself engaged in ideological and religious battles with the Yellow Turbans, followers of Buddhism. The Celestial Masters, under the leadership of Kou Qianzhi, actively carried out anti-Buddhist campaigns. These campaigns aimed to counter the spread and influence of Buddhism in Chinese society.

Martial arts battles with swords unfolded as warriors and martial artists fought for their ideas, the Yellow Turban Rebellion itself was a massive uprising led by Buddhist's who promised salvation and a new order, rallying the discontented masses. However, the rebellion ultimately failed to achieve its goals, and it was suppressed by the Empire.

The outcome of the Yellow Turban Rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the Eastern Han Dynasty, leading to further fragmentation and political disarray. Although the Yellow Turbans were defeated, many generals appointed during the battles never disbanded their assembled militia forces and used these troops to amass power outside of the collapsing imperial authority.

General He Jin plotted to overthrow the eunuchs and demanded the eunuchs' execution. After a period of hesitation, Empress He consented. When the eunuchs discovered it they had her brother He Miao rescind the order. The eunuchs assassinated He Jin on September 22, 189 CE.

Yuan Shao besieged Luoyang's Northern Palace while his brother Yuan Shu besieged the Southern Palace. On September 25 both palaces were breached and approximately two thousand eunuchs were killed.

General Dong Zhuo found the young emperor and his brother wandering in the countryside. He escorted them safely back to the capital and was made Minister of Works, taking control of Luoyang and forcing Yuan Shao to flee. After Dong Zhuo demoted Emperor Shao and promoted his brother Liu Xie as Emperor Xian, Yuan Shao led a coalition of former officials and officers against Dong, who burned Luoyang to the ground and resettled the court at Chang'an in May 191. Dong Zhuo later poisoned Emperor Shao.

After Cao Cao's defeat at the naval Battle of Red Cliffs in 208, the Han Empire was effectively divided into three Kingdoms. Cao Cao dominated the northern region, Sun Quan controlled the south, and Liu Bei established his dominance in the western territories.

After Cao Cao's death in March of 220. His son Cao Pi orchestrated the abdication of Emperor Xian and declared himself Emperor Wen of Wei, effectively marking the formal end of the Han empire. This marked the beginning of the Three Kingdoms period, a time of political and military maneuvering, alliances, and conflicts.