University of Virginia Library

The rise of Wang Mang

In 7 B.C., Wang Ken retired on account of age. His position was
taken by Wang Mang but not without an interval of struggle and intrigue.
Wang Ken's sister's son, Shun-yü Chang, had shown ability and so had
been made a marquis and had been elevated to be one of the ministers.
He naturally thought that he would succeed Wang Ken, and had even gone
so far as to discuss who should be given prominent government positions.
But Wang Ken's elder brother's son, Wang Mang (who later usurped the
throne), was intensely ambitious and wanted the place. He took care to
wait upon Wang Ken in his illness and to find out about Shun-yü Chang's
doings. The latter had many wives and concubines and indulged much
in music and women, not restraining himself by the laws. He had taken
the widowed sister of the dismissed Empress née Hsü as a concubine, and
had received bribes from the dismissed Empress to the value of more than
ten million cash, on the promise that he would induce the Emperor to
make her the Junior Empress. Wang Mang told Wang Ken about
Shun-yü Chang's deeds, adding that the latter had rejoiced at the illness
of Wang Ken, because he expected to succeed the latter in control of the

government. Wang Ken became angry and had Wang Mang inform the
Empress Dowager née Wang about the matter, who in turn had Wang
Mang repeat his information to Emperor Ch'eng. Shun-yü Chang was
dismissed and ordered back to his estate.

As he was leaving, Wang Jung, the heir of Wang Ken's elder brother,
Wang Li5, called upon Shun-yü Chang, and the latter took the opportunity
to send some valuable jewels to Wang Li5, who accordingly spoke
the Emperor Ch'eng in behalf of Shun-yü Chang. Emperor Ch'eng
became suspicious and had the officials investigate. They arrested Wang
Jung, and his father made him commit suicide, in order to prevent the
government from securing information. Thereupon Emperor Ch'eng
became even more suspicious, and had Shun-yü Chang arrested and tortured.
He told about making sport of the dismissed Empress née Hsü
and of his promise to her; his crime was adjudged to be treason, and, in
8 B.C., he died in prison. His family was exiled; Wang Li5 was exiled
from the capital to his estate; the dismissed Empress was sent poison;
and several dozens of persons were sentenced.

Wang Ken recommended Wang Mang for his position, and in 7 B.C.
the latter was made Commander-in-chief and Intendant of Affairs of the
Masters of Writing. In five months, Emperor Ch'eng died; three months
later Wang Mang resigned to make way for the new Emperor's maternal
relatives.

Thus the Wang clan ruled the empire for a quarter-century by virtue
of being relatives of the Emperor's mother. She supported them against
any threat to displace them, and the weak Emperor was glad to be
relieved from the burdens of government. Their conduct is hardly
admirable. Wang Feng merely continued the traditions of his predecessors,
while Wang Ken was known for his avarice. The quality of the
government declined considerably. The Lieutenant Chancellor and
Grandee Secretary had become virtual subordinates of the Commanderin-chief.