Dong Zhuo

Dong Zhuo (died 192 AD) was a Han dynasty warlord who controlled the Han central government in the late second century. Rising to prominence during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he seized control of Luoyang, the imperial capital, in 189 AD after the death of Emperor Ling. He deposed Emperor Shao and installed Emperor Xian, effectively becoming the de facto head of the Han government.

Dong Zhuo's rule was marked by tyranny and corruption. He terrorized the population of Luoyang, plundered the imperial tombs, and indulged in extravagant displays of power. His cruelty and ambition alienated many, leading to the formation of a coalition against him by regional warlords such as Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.

Faced with the coalition forces, Dong Zhuo evacuated Luoyang and moved the capital to Chang'an. He continued to rule from there, but his authority was increasingly challenged. Ultimately, he was assassinated in 192 AD by his adopted son, Lü Bu, who was instigated by the minister Wang Yun as part of a plot to overthrow Dong Zhuo's tyrannical reign. Dong Zhuo's death led to further chaos and fragmentation of the Han empire, paving the way for the Three Kingdoms period. He is generally portrayed negatively in historical accounts and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms as a ruthless and power-hungry tyrant.