中英双语话历史 第33期:汉朝(东汉)

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.

王莽篡权建立新朝虽然只有14年的时间，但这并非是一个简单的历史插曲，东西汉因此而大不相同。

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.

西汉时皇帝虽也依赖身边的大臣，但能像霍氏和王氏那样专权的外戚只是个别现象。

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.

东汉时，皇帝则是不得不仰仗外戚，否则将无法维持自己的政权，因为大多数嫔妃出身贵族或豪门。

Another difference was that eunuchs arrogated power.

与西汉不同的另一点是东汉时宦官专权。

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.

宦官都来自社会底层，一旦外戚无法控制软弱的皇帝，他们就会趁机取得实权。