Fan Wei: Did Emperor Wu of Han Ascend the Throne Thanks to His Twice-Married Aries Mother?

Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, is a legendary name in Chinese history, often mentioned alongside Qin Shi Huang in Mao Zedong’s majestic poem Qinyuanchun. Celebrated as one of the greatest rulers in feudal China, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Han ethnicity and is regarded as one of the most accomplished emperors of ancient times.

Crowned Prince of Jiaodong at four, designated heir at seven, and ascending the throne at sixteen, he reigned for an impressive fifty-four years. His era was marked by monumental achievements: the promotion of Confucianism as the state ideology, centralization of power, military campaigns against the Xiongnu, and the pioneering of the Silk Road. As a master strategist and politician, Liu Che remains a towering figure in China’s historical narrative.

Despite missteps—excessive militarization, the witchcraft scandals, and pursuit of immortality—his reign concluded with a reflective Luntui edict of self-criticism. While his brilliance is undisputed, questions linger: how did the tenth son of Emperor Jing, with seemingly slim odds, secure the throne? Could it be attributed to his twice-married, possibly Aries mother, Wang Zhi? Her story is indeed worth exploring!

A Modern Look at Wang Zhi: The Aries Archetype?

Compared to powerful figures like Lü Zhi or Dou Yifang, Wang Zhi didn’t wield overt political dominance, but her life was no less extraordinary. In the deeply patriarchal feudal society, mythologizing origins was common. For instance, legends claimed Liu Bang’s mother conceived after a dragon appeared during a thunderstorm. While such tales seem far-fetched, they often hint at deeper narratives.

From a modern astrological perspective, Wang Zhi exhibited classic Aries traits: she was bold, adventurous, and unafraid to take risks. Once set on a goal, she pursued it with relentless determination and fiery passion—hallmarks of the Aries spirit. Interestingly, typical Aries flaws like impatience or tactlessness weren’t prominently displayed in her actions. If she truly was an Aries, how did she leverage her strengths while mitigating weaknesses to achieve success?

The Unconventional Start: From ‘Zhi’ to ‘Che’

Many know Emperor Wu as Liu Che, but few realize his childhood name was Liu Zhi—Zhi meaning “pig.” According to Stories of Han Wu, when Wang Zhi was pregnant, she dreamed of the sun entering her womb, which Prince Liu Jing interpreted as an auspicious sign. In a culture steeped in celestial omens, he later dreamed of a red pig descending from heaven, interpreted as a message from Han Gaozu to name the child Zhi. While such a name might be used humbly in common families to ensure survival, it was highly unconventional for royalty. Upon becoming crown prince, Emperor Jing found the name unsuitable and renamed him Che, symbolizing wisdom and clarity.

Breaking Norms: The Twice-Married Woman Who Entered the Palace

Labeled as “heartless” for abandoning her first husband and daughter, Wang Zhi would likely retort in modern terms: “I’m neither cold nor cruel—I own my happiness!” Such agency was rare in ancient times. Already married, she heeded a fortune-teller’s prediction that her daughters would achieve nobility and, urged by her mother Zang’er, pursued a risky path into the palace. This audacity aligns with the Aries appetite for adventure.

Zang’er, herself from a fallen noble family, saw her daughters as tickets to revival. Wang Zhi and her sister Wang Erxu both entered the palace as “insurance policies”—and succeeded spectacularly. Wang Zhi bore three daughters and a son for Emperor Jing, while her sister had four sons. Her first husband, Jin Wangsun, was left bewildered and heartbroken, but he was no match for the future emperor.

Wang Zhi’s previous marriage might have given her an edge in navigating courtly intimacies, earning Emperor Jing’s favor. She was also strategic and adept at leveraging alliances. Initially, Empress Bo posed little threat—she was childless and not scheming. Wang Zhi’s real rival was Consort Li, whose low intelligence and poorer emotional control made her an easy opponent. With the support of Princess Liu Piao, Wang Zhi thrived in the palace, eventually gaining the upper hand in the succession struggle.

The Power of Alliances: Befriending the Influential

Princess Liu Piao, Emperor Jing’s beloved sister, held significant influence, often selecting beauties for him. When Consort Li’s son was made crown prince, she grew arrogant and rejected Liu Piao’s proposal to marry her daughter to him. Offended, Liu Piao turned to Wang Zhi, who welcomed the alliance warmly. Wang Zhi’s Aries warmth and sociability likely facilitated this bond, but the real motive was political: her son Liu Zhi, as the tenth prince, needed powerful backing. The marriage was eventually arranged, and the tale of “Jin Wu Cang Jiao” (Golden House for Ajiao) became legendary.

Patience and Strategy: Waiting for the Right Moment

Liu Piao’s goal was straightforward: her daughter must marry the crown prince. To achieve this, she tirelessly undermined Consort Li to Emperor Jing, accusing her of using witchcraft against other consorts—a claim that tarnished Li’s reputation. When Emperor Jing fell seriously ill, he entrusted Consort Li with caring for his other children, hinting at making her empress. But Li, blinded by resentment, responded with insolence. This fatal error cost her dearly.

The Decisive Strike: Seizing the Opportunity

After Empress Bo was deposed, the throne remained vacant for months. Consort Li assumed her son’s position guaranteed her eventual rise, but Wang Zhi knew otherwise. Sensing the emperor’s growing disdain for Li, she orchestrated a move: urging a court official to petition for Li’s appointment as empress. Emperor Jing, suspecting Li of arrogance, executed the official, deposed her son, and had her family killed. Consort Li died in despair, and her son was later persecuted to death.

Triumph Amid Tensions: The Final Hurdle

Even after Consort Li’s fall, Wang Zhi faced uncertainty. Emperor Jing delayed naming a new heir, partly due to pressure from Empress Dowager Dou, who supported her younger son Prince Liang for the throne. After political maneuvering and counsel from ministers like Yuan Ang, the emperor reaffirmed the primogeniture principle. Prince Liang’s ambitions were thwarted, and in 150 BCE, Wang Zhi was named empress. Twelve days later, her son Liu Che was crowned crown prince.

Conclusion: The Aries Legacy

Wang Zhi’s journey—abandoning her past, navigating court politics, and securing her son’s destiny—exemplifies the Aries spirit: daring, resilient, and strategically brilliant. Her success wasn’t mere luck; it was forged through calculated risks, emotional intelligence, and unwavering ambition. As a woman, she was resilient; as a mother, she was transformative. And if she was indeed an Aries, she embodies the sign’s potent blend of passion and perseverance. What do you think—did her Aries traits pave the way for one of China’s greatest emperors?