In Chinese history, many emperors successfully ascended the throne through usurpation. Then, who are these emperors who successfully rose to power through usurpation? Let's explore the truth.

1. Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor in Chinese history to successfully ascend the throne through usurpation. In 246 BC, he killed his eldest brother Fu Su and proclaimed himself emperor, establishing the Qin Dynasty. Although his rule was somewhat cruel and authoritarian, he united the six states, ended long-term warfare, and ushered in a new era of feudal society in China.

2. Liu Bang, the Founding Emperor of the Han Dynasty

Liu Bang, the Founding Emperor of the Han Dynasty, was another emperor in Chinese history who successfully rose to power through usurpation. In 206 BC, he defeated Xiang Yu in the Chu-Han War and became the overlord of the Central Plains. Subsequently, he abolished the harsh policies of the Qin Dynasty, restored the feudal system, and established the Han Dynasty. Although there were some problems with his rule, he made important contributions to the unification and development of China.

3. Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin)

Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) was an important emperor of the Tang Dynasty who also successfully ascended the throne through usurpation. In 626 AD, he launched the Xuanwu Gate Coup and killed his brothers Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, becoming the emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Under his rule, the Tang Dynasty enjoyed political stability, economic prosperity, and significant development in culture and art.

4. Emperor Chengzu of Ming (Zhu Di)

Emperor Chengzu of Ming (Zhu Di) was an important emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China who also successfully rose to power through usurpation. In 1399 AD, he launched the Jingnan Rebellion, overthrew the then emperor Jianwen, and became the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Under his rule, the Ming Dynasty enjoyed political stability, economic prosperity, and significant development in culture and art.

5. Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty (Aisin Gioro Fulin)

Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty (Aisin Gioro Fulin) was an important emperor of the Qing Dynasty who also successfully ascended the throne through usurpation. In 1644 AD, the Manchu army captured Beijing, and the Ming Dynasty fell. Soon afterwards, Fulin ascended the throne within the Forbidden City and established the Qing Dynasty. Under his rule, the Qing Dynasty enjoyed political stability, economic prosperity, and significant development in culture and art. He also implemented a series of reform measures, such as expanding territory, strengthening border defense, and establishing schools, making important contributions to the development of the Qing Dynasty.

6. Emperor Gaozong of Tang (Li Ye)

Emperor Gaozong of Tang (Li Ye) was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty in China who also successfully rose to power through usurpation. In 898 AD, Emperor Gaozong was deposed by eunuchs and forced to abdicate in favor of becoming a retired emperor. Soon afterwards, eunuch Liu Kezhuang launched a coup, deposed Emperor Gaozong's son Li Mou, and ascended the throne himself, establishing the Nanhan Dynasty. Although Li Mou later regained the throne, the Nanhan regime no longer existed.

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