Chengdi

In the reigns of Chengdi (33–7 bce), Aidi (7–1 bce), and Pingdi (1 bce–6 ce), the conduct of state affairs and the atmosphere of the court were subject to the weakness or youth of the emperors, the lack of an heir…

Yuandi’s successor, the Chengdi emperor, her son and Wang Mang’s first cousin, was a pleasant but weak and irresponsible man, who showed little interest in personal government. He appointed, one after the other, as regents, four maternal relatives, the last of whom retired in 8 bc.