The story of Wang Zhaojun's departure from the frontier
The story of Wang Zhaojun's departure from the frontier
During the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han, the Han Dynasty gained another period of strength. At that time, due to the power struggle among the nobles, the Xiongnu's power gradually declined. Afterwards, the Xiongnu split and the five Chanyu separated, constantly attacking each other.
One of the Chanyu, named Huhanye, was defeated by his brother Zhizhi Chanyu, causing many casualties. After consulting with his ministers, Hu Hanye decided to establish a friendly relationship with the Han Dynasty and personally brought his troops to meet Emperor Xuan of Han.
Huhanye was the first Chanyu to meet in Zhongyuan court. Emperor Xuan of Han treated him like a VIP and personally went to the outskirts of Chang'an to greet him, holding a grand banquet for him.
Hu Han Xie stayed in Chang'an for over a month. He requested Emperor Xuan of Han to help him return. Emperor Xuan of Han agreed and sent two generals with ten thousand cavalry to escort him to the southern desert. At this time, the Xiongnu were lacking in food, and the Han Dynasty sent 34000 bushels of grain.
Hu Han Xie was very grateful and devoted himself to maintaining harmony with the Han Dynasty. Upon hearing of the friendly relationship between the Xiongnu and the Han Dynasty, various countries in the Western Regions also rushed to deal with the Han Dynasty. In a few years, Zhizhi Chanyu of the Xiongnu invaded various countries in the Western Regions and even killed envoys sent by the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty sent troops to Kangju, defeated Zhizhi Chanyu, and killed him. After the death of Zhizhi Chanyu, Huhanye Chanyu's position stabilized. In 33 BC, Hu Han Xie Chanyu once again went to Chang'an and demanded marriage with the Han Dynasty. Emperor Yuan of Han approved.
In the past, when the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu intermarried, they had to choose a princess or the daughter of their royal family. This time, Emperor Yuan of Han decided to choose a palace maid for him and ordered someone to go to the harem to deliver a message:
Whoever is willing to go to the Xiongnu, the emperor will treat her as a princess. "The palace maids in the harem are all selected from the people. As soon as they enter the palace, they are like birds trapped in a cage, hoping that one day they can be released from the palace. But I heard that I was going to leave my country and go to the Xiongnu, but I was not willing.
There is a palace maid named Wang Lei, also known as Wang Zhaojun, who looks very bright and insightful. For the sake of her life, she resolutely signed up and voluntarily went to the Xiongnu to marry.
The minister in charge was anxious about no one applying, and when he heard that Wang Zhaojun was willing to go, he reported her name to Emperor Yuan of Han.