Early Han Military Exploits and Political Intrigues

During the formative years of the Han Dynasty, pivotal figures like Liu Jia and Liu Ze played crucial roles in shaping its early military campaigns and navigating the intricate political landscape of ancient China. Liu Jia, initially a lesser-known figure, rose to prominence under the Han Emperor’s banner during the dynasty’s nascent stages. His military exploits began in the first year of Emperor Han’s reign, tasked with securing the northwestern frontiers and subduing the regions beyond the borders of the empire.

In the fourth year of Emperor Han’s rule, the Han forces suffered a setback at Chenggao, prompting them to cross the Yellow River northwards, where they encountered the armies of Zhang Er and Han Xin. Liu Jia, entrusted with two thousand men and several hundred cavalry, crossed the Bai Ma ford into Chu territory. His strategic brilliance was evident as he disrupted the enemy’s supply lines and infrastructure, thereby weakening the forces of Xiang Yu, the Chu leader.

The following year saw Han Emperor’s pursuit of Xiang Yu to Guling, and Liu Jia was dispatched south of the Huai River to besiege Shouchun. His military acumen and alliances with local leaders, such as Zhou Yin, enabled him to consolidate support and mobilize forces against Xiang Yu’s hegemony. The convergence of forces at Gaixia marked a turning point, where Liu Jia led troops from the Nine Rivers region alongside General Lu Wan to engage the forces of Lian Jiang, the ruler of Nan County (modern-day Jiangxi Province).

Spring of the sixth year saw a historic gathering of feudal lords at Chen, where Chu’s King Xiang Xin was deposed and imprisoned, and his lands were divided into two states. Given Emperor Han’s young age and his brothers’ youth and lack of political acumen, there was a pressing need to appoint regional princes to stabilize the empire. Liu Jia was duly recognized for his contributions and appointed King of Jing, with jurisdiction over fifty-two cities east of the Huai River.

Simultaneously, Emperor Han’s brother, Liu Xiang, was appointed King of Chu, overseeing thirty-six cities west of the Huai River. These appointments marked the beginning of the Liu clan’s royal legacy within the Han dynasty. However, Liu Jia’s tenure as King of Jing was short-lived, as he perished during a conflict with Huainan King Ying Bu, who rebelled and launched an offensive against Jing. Emperor Han himself led the counteroffensive that defeated Ying Bu, after which Liu Bi, the Marquis of Pei, was appointed King of Wu, inheriting the former territory of Jing.

Meanwhile, Liu Ze, a distant relative of the royal Liu family, rose through the ranks during the reign of Emperor Gaozu. Initially serving as a junior official, Liu Ze was promoted to general during Emperor Gaozu’s eleventh year. His military campaign against Chen Xi, which led to the capture of Wang Huang, earned him the title Marquis of Yingling.

During the regency of Empress Dowager Lu, the painter Tian Sheng gained favor by creating portraits at the residence of Liu Ze, the Marquis of Yingling. Tian Sheng’s artistic talent impressed Liu Ze, who generously rewarded him with two hundred jin of gold for his work. Tian Sheng returned to Qi with his newfound wealth, but Liu Ze sent a messenger to reclaim the gold, which Tian Sheng refused to return.

Liu Ze then traveled to Chang’an without meeting Liu Ze and built a mansion there. He sent his son to work with Zhang Ziqing, a prominent official favored by Empress Dowager Lu. After several months, Tian Sheng’s son asked Zhang Ziqing to visit, who agreed. Tian Sheng prepared a grand feast and treated Zhang Ziqing as an honored guest, impressing him greatly. After a few drinks, Tian Sheng privately confided in Zhang Ziqing, saying, “I have observed the residences of numerous feudal lords and kings, all of whom owe their prosperity to Emperor Gaozu’s esteemed generals.”

“The Lu family’s influence has always been strong, particularly since the empress married Emperor Gaozu, which solidified their authority. Their accomplishments in securing the empire are unparalleled. The empress is aging, and the Lu family’s power is waning. The empress wishes to crown Lu Chan as king, a position he is not fit to hold. The empress hesitates to advance his cause due to fears of opposition from the nobles. You, Zhang Ziqing, are greatly respected among the nobles. Why not advocate for Lu Chan with the empress? She will surely be pleased. Once Lu Chan is crowned king, you too will reap the rewards, becoming a marquis. The empress desires this outcome, and as her trusted courtier, your influence will grow.”

Empress Dowager Lu later conferred the title of Marquis of Jianling upon Zhang Ziqing. Meanwhile, Tian Sheng was rewarded with half of the gold, which he shared with Tian Sheng. Tian Sheng refused the gold, advising Tian Sheng, “Lu Chan will become king, but the nobles have yet to fully accept him. Now, Liu Ze, the Marquis of Yingling, a member of the Liu clan, remains hopeful. If you approach the empress with these sentiments, more than ten noble states will recognize the potential of their kings. By winning the king’s favor, the Liu family’s hold on power will become even stronger.”

Zhang Ziqing spoke, and the empress was pleased. She appointed Liu Ze, the Marquis of Yingling, as the King of Langxia. The King of Langxia was rewarded with gifts from Tian Sheng’s country. He advised Liu Ze to act quickly, without hesitation. Upon leaving the capital, the empress sent someone to stop him. He had already left.

When the empress died, King Langxia Liu Ze said, “The emperor is young, and the Lu family is in power. The Liu family is weak.” He led his troops west with the King of Qi, intending to assassinate the Lu family. He heard that the Han sent General Guan to station in Xingyang. Liu Ze returned his troops to prepare for the war in the west, then drove to Chang’an.

The king of Qi followed the king of Qi to send him to the eastern country. Liu Ze was appointed King of Yan. The king of Yan returned his former land to Qi.

The King of Yan ruled for two years before dying. He was posthumously honored as the respected king. His son, Jia, became the king.

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