In 54 BC, the Xiongnu in the north split into two parts due to long-term internal strife and external pressure. Under the attack of his brother, the Northern Xiongnu Zhizhi Chanyu, the Southern Xiongnu’s Huhan Xie Chanyu failed and chose to submit to the Han Dynasty, becoming a vassal state of the Han Dynasty. In order to consolidate the relationship with the Han Dynasty, Hu Han Xie Chanyu visited Chang’an multiple times to pay homage to the Han Emperor and expressed his desire to form an alliance with the Han Dynasty.
In 33 BC, Huhan Yedan returned to Chang’an to pay homage to Emperor Yuan of Han and expressed his desire to marry a Han princess as his wife, in order to further strengthen the friendly relationship between the two sides. However, Emperor Yuan of Han did not have a real princess to marry off, so he decided to select a palace maid in the harem to bestow upon Huhanye Chanyu. Faced with the difficult decision of marrying the Xiongnu, most palace maids were afraid and no one was willing to take the initiative to accept. However, Wang Zhaojun stepped forward and volunteered. Her bravery and selflessness moved Emperor Yuan of Han, and she was ultimately chosen to marry Hu Han Xie Chanyu.
On the eve of his marriage, Emperor Yuan of Han prepared a generous dowry for Wang Zhaojun and held a grand farewell ceremony in Chang’an City. Wang Zhaojun, dressed in magnificent Hanfu, embarked on a journey to the Xiongnu with deep attachment to his hometown and longing for an unknown life. After arriving at the Xiongnu, Wang Zhaojun was conferred the title of “Ninghu Xia Shi” (meaning “Queen who brings peace”). Her arrival brought the culture and advanced technology of the Central Plains to the Xiongnu, promoting exchanges and integration between the Xiongnu and the Han Dynasty. At the same time, Wang Zhaojun actively participated in the political life of the Xiongnu and made important contributions to their stability and development.
Under the influence of Wang Zhaojun, the Han Dynasty and the Huns maintained a long-term peaceful relationship, and the two peoples were able to live and work in peace and prosperity. Zhaojun’s departure from the frontier not only became a legendary story in Chinese history, but also a symbol of unity and peace for the Chinese nation.
The story of Zhaojun’s expedition not only showcases Wang Zhaojun’s personal bravery and selfless spirit, but also reflects the common aspiration of the Chinese nation to pursue peace, unity, and progress. It tells us that when faced with the choice between national righteousness and personal interests, we should prioritize the overall situation and put national interests first; At the same time, we should also cherish peace, maintain unity, promote development, and strive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
