What is Huang-Lao Taoism 黄老道

Huang-Lao Taoism emerged in the Han Dynasty. Emperors Wen and Jing, in order to consolidate the Han imperial regime, both adopted the Huang-Lao doctrine of "governing with tranquility and inaction" to rule the country. In particular, Empress Dowager Dou was fond of reading books about Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) and Laozi, which influenced the imperial nobility, including the crown prince and members of the Dou clan, all of whom read works on Huangdi and Laozi. Even state councillors like Cao Can and Chen Ping were no exception, making the Huang-Lao doctrine prevail as a widespread trend.

According to Records of the Grand Historian, the earliest scholar of Huang-Lao learning was He Shang Zhangren (the Elder on the River). It is recorded that "He Shang Zhangren taught An Qisheng; An Qisheng taught Mao Xigong; Mao Xigong taught Yue Xiagong; Yue Xiagong taught Yue Chenggong; Yue Chenggong taught Gai Gong; Gai Gong taught in Gaomi and Jiaoxi of Qi and became the teacher of Chancellor Cao Can." In this way, a wave of Huang-Lao learning spread from the top to the bottom of society, leading to its great prosperity in the Han Dynasty.

Although Emperor Wu of Han advocated Confucianism as the sole orthodox ideology, Confucian scholars also revered Huangdi and Laozi. Moreover, Huang-Lao learning merged with the then-prevalent schools of immortality seekers, Yin-Yang theorists, Five Elements scholars, practitioners of medical and technological arts, and diviners. Notably, Prince Liu Ying of Chu observed fasts and offered sacrifices to venerate Huang-Lao. Emperor Huan of Han sent envoys to Kuxian (Laozi's birthplace) in Chen State and to Zhuolong Palace to worship Laozi, which further encouraged popular devotion. Thus, the Huang-Lao doctrine formally developed into Huang-Lao Taoism with distinct religious characteristics.