ABSTRACT
Imperial consorts and their families were involved in the dynastic and political destinies of the Han Empire almost since its foundation; and three families may be singled out1 as exercising a critical influence on the conduct of affairs during the last years of Ch'eng ti and throughout Ai ti's reign. Ai ti's sudden death, in 1 bc, left Tung Hsien somewhat isolated and unable to consolidate his position against potential rivals; and in such circumstances the aged Empress Dowager Wang and her nephew Wang Mang were quickly able to re-assert their strength and drive Tung Hsien to suicide. Ai ti's illnesses provided reason enough to summon to court masters of magic or other arts, and men of the type who had been in favour at Wu ti's court. Ai ti's death precipitated a complete change in the fortunes of those who had been concerned with the destiny of the dynasty.
