Legacy of Liu Family: Stories from Ancient China

The Han Dynasty stands as a pivotal era in Chinese history, marked by the profound influences of its rulers and the intricate tales woven through the lives of its prominent figures. Among these figures, Emperor Gaozu’s family holds a prominent place, their stories echoing through the annals of time.

Emperor Gaozu himself, born Liu Bang, rose from humble beginnings to become the founder of the Han Dynasty. Yet, his family’s legacy extends beyond his own reign, encompassing the lives and deeds of his siblings and descendants. One such figure was Liu Jiao, known as Chu Yuanwang, who ascended to the throne of Chu and established Pengcheng as its capital.

In the intricate web of family ties, Liu Jiao was a younger brother of Emperor Gaozu, bearing the style name You. The early years of Emperor Gaozu’s rise to power were marked by familial bonds and occasional conflicts, often played out in the ceremonial sharing of meals. An incident involving Liu Jiao’s wife, who disparaged her husband’s guests by serving them meager portions from a large pot, left a lasting rift between them.

Emperor Gaozu’s ascent to power also involved political maneuverings within his family. When it came to distributing titles and lands among his kin, not all received equal favor. The heir of Liu Bang’s deceased elder brother was excluded from the circle of those granted titles. Despite protests from the Dowager Empress, Emperor Gaozu justified this exclusion on the basis of his nephew’s mother’s short tenure as a concubine. Thus, Liu Bang’s nephew was enfeoffed as Marquis Gongjie, a title derived from a mountain name where a significant event occurred.

Liu Bang’s other brothers also played notable roles during his reign. Liu Xiang, styled Xi, was made King of Dai at the age of six and, after ruling for a year, was posthumously honored with the title King Qing. His son, Liu Bi, known as Bo, was installed as King of Chu after Liu Bang captured and executed Han Xin, the previous ruler of Chu. The kingdom was centered at Pengcheng, which encompassed thirty-six counties including Xue, Donghai, and Pengcheng.

Liu Bang’s reign as Emperor spanned twenty-three years, during which he managed to consolidate power and extend Han influence over a vast territory. Upon his death, his son, Liu Ying, ascended to the throne as King Yi and later King Jing.

The succession of kings continued with Liu Yi’s son, Liu Wang, who ruled for twenty years before being accused of misconduct and stripped of his principality of Donghai. His rebellion against the Han Dynasty, in alliance with the King of Wu, culminated in Liu Wang’s suicide after a failed military campaign against Han forces led by Zhou Yafu. The defeat of Wu and Chu forces at the Battle of Changyi marked the end of the rebellion, resulting in Liu Wang’s capture and his domain’s absorption into Han territory.

In the aftermath of the rebellion, Emperor Xiaojing sought to restore stability by rewarding the descendants of Liu Bang’s brothers. Liu Guang, styled Dehou, a younger brother of the King of Wu, Liu Bi, was appointed as Marquis De for his service to the dynasty. Meanwhile, Liu Li, a son of Liu Wang, was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Gengjie in remembrance of his father’s failed uprising against the Han.

The stories of Liu Bang’s family illustrate the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal that characterized the early years of the Han Dynasty. From the humble beginnings of Liu Bang to the heights of imperial power, and from the familial bonds that supported his rise to the conflicts that threatened to tear it all apart, the legacy of the Liu family is a testament to the complexities of ancient Chinese political life.

As the historian Sima Qian reflected, the rise and fall of kingdoms are often foretold by signs and omens. The virtue of leaders and the actions of their advisors shape the course of history. Liu Bang’s decision to heed the advice of his counselors and the guidance of his family played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of the Han Dynasty.