中英雙語話歷史 第33期:漢朝(東漢)

The Xin Dynasty lasted only 14 years after Wang Mang usurped the throne, but it was more than a short interlude, and the Western Han and the Eastern Han were completely different because of it.

王莽篡權建立新朝雖然只有14年的時間，但這並非是一個簡單的歷史插曲，東西漢因此而大不相同。

In the Western Han, even though emperors relied on individual followers, it was rare for consort clans like families Huo and Wang to seize great power to interfere with the state affairs.

西漢時皇帝雖也依賴身邊的大臣，但能像霍氏和王氏那樣專權的外戚只是個別現象。

On the contrary, a ruler in the Eastern Han had to depend on clans, otherwise, he couldn't maintain the sovereignty, for most consorts came from the upper class or rich and powerful families.

東漢時，皇帝則是不得不仰仗外戚，否則將無法維持自己的政權，因爲大多數嬪妃出身貴族或豪門。

Another difference was that eunuchs arrogated power.

與西漢不同的另一點是東漢時宦官專權。

Once consort dans couldn’t hold on power over weak emperors, eunuchs, who were all from the bottom of society, would take opportunity to obtain the power.

宦官都來自社會底層，一旦外戚無法控制軟弱的皇帝，他們就會趁機取得實權。