Hanzi

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Grand General Huo Guang was a pivotal minister deeply trusted by the emperor. Before his death, Emperor Wu entrusted his young son Liu Fuling (Emperor Zhao) to Huo Guang's guardianship. After Emperor Zhao's demise, Huo Guang again appointed Liu Xun as emperor (Emperor Xuan). Huo Guang wielded political power for over forty years, making significant contributions to the Western Han dynasty.

Upon ascending the throne, Liu Xun made Consort Xu his empress. However, Huo Guang's wife, Huo Xian, was a woman who craved wealth and status. She wished to marry her younger daughter, Chengjun, to Liu Xun to become empress.

Seizing an opportunity when Empress Xu fell ill, she bribed a female physician to poison and kill her. When the sinister plot was exposed, the female physician was imprisoned.

Huo Guang was completely unaware of this matter beforehand; his wife only informed him after the deed was done. Huo Guang was greatly alarmed and reproached his wife for such an act. He considered reporting it but could not bear to see his wife punished. After much deliberation, he decided to conceal this heinous crime.

After Huo Guang's death, someone reported the case to Emperor Xuan, who dispatched officials to investigate and handle it. Huo Guang's wife, upon hearing this, consulted with her family and confidants, deciding to gather her clan to plot a rebellion. However, the plan was leaked. Emperor Xuan immediately sent troops to surround the Huo family, and all members were executed.

Ban Gu, a historian of the Eastern Han Dynasty, commented on Huo Guang's merits and demerits in his 'Book of Han: Biography of Huo Guang,' stating that he was '不学无术 (bù xué wú shù), 暗于大理 (àn yú dà lǐ),' meaning Huo Guang lacked education and skill, thus failing to understand the great principles that govern important matters.