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Adherent to Confucianism corrupted by absolute power or clever plotter who feigned virtuousness to usurp the throne? The life of Wang Mang (45 BC - 23 AD) was full of contradictions. He lived a virtuous life throughout his early years, staying in the good graces of his aunt, Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun. Her influence over the young Western Han emperors who succeeded her husband paved the way for Wang Mang's clever coup.

Whereas a more virtuous man aided their rulers, Wang Mang took advantage of their inexperience. This ultimately gave rise to the Xin dynasty, which would last for a grand total of 14 years before Wang Mang was deposed. He went from beloved by all to detested by the realm.

The writing may have been on the wall early, as he forced many (and perhaps all) of his sons to commit suicide. He cheated on his wife constantly. He forced his daughter to marry as a child, then killed off her husband shortly after. Are these the actions of great Confucian practitioner?

Nope.

But the question is: was he like this from the beginning or did power corrupt him? Think about that as you listening to Linked by History's episode about Wang Mang, the first and only emperor of China's Xin dynasty.

Want to read more about this episode's characters or aren't sure about their spelling? Here's a list of this episode's major characters:
Wang Mang - our protagonist
(Future) Empress Ping - Wang Mang's daughter
Wang Zhengjun - Empress (for a time) and Wang Mang's aunt
Emperor Ai - 2nd Successor to Zhenjun's husband
Chunyu Zhang - political rival of Wang Mang
Princess Dowager Fu (AKA Grandma Fu) - Emperor Ai's grandmother

Credits
Host: C.J. Weiss
Music: Bobby Hall