The Western Han Dynasty: A History of China
Hui Wang
The Western Han Dynasty: A History of China, PART TWO plunges into an empire driven by ambition, war, and power struggles. At its center was Emperor Wu of Han, a ruler obsessed with dominance. He expanded China's borders and strengthened its might—but every victory came with a price. Battles raged not only on the frontiers but within the palace, where conspiracies and betrayals shaped the court.
To defeat the Xiongnu, Emperor Wu turned to two remarkable generals: Wei Qing, a former servant who became a master strategist, and his nephew Huo Qubing, a brilliant young warrior whose daring campaigns brought sweeping victories. At court, Empress Wei Zifu—once a singer—rose to power alongside her brother’s success, only to face the ruthless politics that threatened even the most powerful.
Others shaped the era in shadowed ways. Zhang Tang, the emperor’s feared enforcer, ruled through terror. Historian Sima Qian risked all to record the truth. Meanwhile, the Witchcraft Calamity unleashed a storm of paranoia, leading to purges that destroyed allies and enemies alike.
As Emperor Wu’s reign waned, cracks in the empire deepened. His successor, Liu He, ruled for only 27 days. The once-mighty Huo family fell to court intrigue. Then, Emperor Xuan of Han—a commoner by birth—rose to power, offering hope of renewal. But could he repair an empire fractured by war and ambition, or had the Han already passed its peak?
Duration - 8h 42m.
Author - Hui Wang.
Narrator - Alex Morgan.
Published Date - Tuesday, 28 January 2025.
Copyright - © 2025 Hui Wang ©.
Location:
United States
Description:
The Western Han Dynasty: A History of China, PART TWO plunges into an empire driven by ambition, war, and power struggles. At its center was Emperor Wu of Han, a ruler obsessed with dominance. He expanded China's borders and strengthened its might—but every victory came with a price. Battles raged not only on the frontiers but within the palace, where conspiracies and betrayals shaped the court. To defeat the Xiongnu, Emperor Wu turned to two remarkable generals: Wei Qing, a former servant who became a master strategist, and his nephew Huo Qubing, a brilliant young warrior whose daring campaigns brought sweeping victories. At court, Empress Wei Zifu—once a singer—rose to power alongside her brother’s success, only to face the ruthless politics that threatened even the most powerful. Others shaped the era in shadowed ways. Zhang Tang, the emperor’s feared enforcer, ruled through terror. Historian Sima Qian risked all to record the truth. Meanwhile, the Witchcraft Calamity unleashed a storm of paranoia, leading to purges that destroyed allies and enemies alike. As Emperor Wu’s reign waned, cracks in the empire deepened. His successor, Liu He, ruled for only 27 days. The once-mighty Huo family fell to court intrigue. Then, Emperor Xuan of Han—a commoner by birth—rose to power, offering hope of renewal. But could he repair an empire fractured by war and ambition, or had the Han already passed its peak? Duration - 8h 42m. Author - Hui Wang. Narrator - Alex Morgan. Published Date - Tuesday, 28 January 2025. Copyright - © 2025 Hui Wang ©.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:00:08
Front Matter
Duration:00:03:31
Chapter 1: The Explorer Zhang Qian Opened the West
Duration:00:25:59
Chapter 2: The Blood-Sweating Horses
Duration:00:23:20
Chapter 3: The Flying General Li Guang
Duration:00:27:11
Chapter 4: Sima Qian and the Shiji
Duration:00:36:01
Chapter 5: The Harsh Enforcer Zhang Tang
Duration:00:29:25
Chapter 6: The Rise and Fall of Zhu Fu Yan
Duration:00:27:29
Chapter 7: The Rebellion of Liu An
Duration:00:28:38
Chapter 8: The Deception of Immortals
Duration:00:32:17
Chapter 9: The Witchcraft Calamity
Duration:00:26:55
Chapter 10: The Luntai Self-Reproach Edict
Duration:00:28:58
Chapter 11: Huo Guang guards the Han throne
Duration:00:27:11
Chapter 12: The Reckless and Indulgent Reign of Liu He
Duration:00:27:58
Chapter 13: From Prisoner to Emperor
Duration:00:29:27
Chapter 14: A Thorn in the Emperor’s Side
Duration:00:28:57
Chapter 15: The Fall of the Huo Family
Duration:00:29:37
Chapter 16: The Rule of Just Officials
Duration:00:29:11
Chapter 17: The Protector-General of the Western Regions
Duration:00:30:09
Chapter 18: The Revival of Emperor Xuan’s Reign
Duration:00:30:23
Ending Credits
Duration:00:00:13