Emperor Yuan of China, and his lovers Hong Gong and Shi Xian

r 75 - 33 BCE



(Also spelled Hàn Yúan-dì, or Han Yüan-ti) Son of emperor Xuan, his birth name was Liú Shì, and ruled from 48 to 33 BC. His posthumous name was Xiào Yúan ("filial and original"). Two of the great Chinese inventions, paper and porcelain, date from Han times. His known male lovers were imperial secretary Hong Gong and chief eunuch Shi Xian.
Emperor Yuan was remembered for the promotion of Confucianism as the official creed of Chinese government. He appointed Confucius adherents to important government posts. He was, in many ways, a kind and gentle man who cared for the people.