The event
Dong Zhuo Seizes the Han Court
董卓入京废立
In 189 He Jin and Yuan Shao plotted to kill the eunuchs; when the empress dowager refused, He Jin privately called Dong Zhuo to bring his army to the capital. To appear stronger than he was, Dong Zhuo marched his troops out at night and back in by day, so that Luoyang believed fresh western armies kept arriving. He had Lü Bu kill Ding Yuan and absorbed his troops, leaving all military power in the capital in his hands; Lü Bu brought Ding Yuan’s head to him, and Dong Zhuo swore to treat Lü Bu as a son. Dong Zhuo then deposed the young emperor as Prince of Hongnong and installed the Prince of Chenliu — the future Emperor Xian. When he proposed the deposition, Yuan Shao answered that Dong was not the only strong man under heaven, saluted with crossed blade, and walked out. Dong Zhuo made himself chancellor of state, with the privileges of entering court unhurried and wearing sword and shoes into the hall. In 190, facing the eastern coalition, he moved the emperor to Chang’an and burned the palaces of Luoyang.
The people
Who took part
Sources
Historical sources
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
He Jin and Yuan Shao plotted to kill the eunuchs; when the empress dowager refused, He Jin privately called Dong Zhuo to bring his army to the capital.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
To appear stronger than he was, he marched troops out at night and back in by day, making Luoyang believe fresh western armies kept arriving.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
He had Lü Bu kill Ding Yuan and absorbed his troops, leaving all military power in the capital in Dong Zhuo’s hands.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书七·吕布臧洪传
Lü Bu cut off Ding Yuan’s head and brought it to Dong Zhuo, who made him cavalry commandant and swore to treat him as a son.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
He deposed the young emperor as Prince of Hongnong and installed the Prince of Chenliu — the future Emperor Xian.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
When Dong Zhuo proposed deposing the emperor, Yuan Shao answered that Dong was not the only strong man under heaven, then saluted with crossed blade and walked out.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
Made chancellor of state, he received the privileges of entering court unhurried and wearing sword and shoes into the hall.
- Historical record三国志 · 魏书六·董二袁刘传
Facing the eastern coalition, he moved the emperor to Chang’an and burned the palaces of Luoyang, driving the population west.
- Chronicle资治通鉴 · 卷六十五·建安十三年
Dong Zhuo seized control of the court, deposed the young emperor, and installed Liu Xie, later known as Emperor Xian.