Lülin - Destruction of Emperor Gengshi's Regime

Destruction of Emperor Gengshi's Regime

In summer 25, Liu Xiu finally made a formal break with Emperor Gengshi, after his generals and Emperor Gengshi's generals fought over control of the Henei and Luoyang regions. He declared himself emperor (establishing the regime known later as the Eastern Han Dynasty), and soon his general Deng Yu (鄧禹) also captured the modern Shanxi, further reducing Emperor Gengshi's strength.

Feeling trapped, a number of Emperor Gengshi's generals conspired to kidnap him and flee back to their home region of Nanyang. These conspirators included Zhang Ang, Liao Zhan, Hu Yin (胡殷), Shentu Jian (申屠建), and the warlord Wei Xiao (隗囂). They were discovered, and most were executed, but Zhang occupied most of Chang'an, forcing Emperor Gengshi to flee, just as Chimei forces were approaching. Emperor Gengshi then made the further mistake of suspecting, without evidence, Wang Kuang, Chen Mu, and Cheng Dan of conspiring with Zhang; he executed Chen and Cheng by trickery, and Wang, in response, joined Zhang.

Generals still loyal to Emperor Gengshi was eventually able to evict Zhang from the capital, but by that time the situation was desperate. Zhang and his allies surrendered to Chimei and, working with them, attacked again Chang'an, which fell quickly. Emperor Gengshi fled only followed by several loyal followers. In winter 25, he surrendered to the Chimei, and was eventually killed. Most Lülin leaders eventually became lost in obscurity, but some who were initially friendly with Liu Xiu joined him and became officials in his government. They were largely not given important posts, however, in his new dynasty.