Dear all,
This is a short biography (Part 1) of Liu Bang. I got the facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖)
Liu Bang’s real name was Liu Ji, and he was the third child in his family. He changed his name to Liu Bang after he became emperor. Liu Bang had two elder brothers: Liu Bo and Liu Zhong. When Liu Bang was young, his features did not really stand out and was not exceptionally talented. Being a farmer, he did not have any expertise in any area.
There was a sentence that many people said about Liu Bang, that he was not educated. Compared to Xiang Yu, Liu Bang’s cultural standard was much lower. At least Xiang Yu knew some things, although he did not spend a long time on either education or swordsmanship. What about Liu Bang? He did not really know a lot of words, just a handful probably. It was not possible that he knew a lot of things when he was a farmer and received a lot of news from the outside world. \
Liu Bang once paid a visit to Xianyang, the Qin’s Dynasty capital. When he reached Xianyang, he was astonished: the streets in Xianyang were in length and breadth; vertically and horizontally, the magnificent royal palace, a whole of houses that stretched as far as the eye could see and the hustle and bustle of people. Traffic was pacing, the rich were driving their carriages, while the commoners were walking around. The hawkers on the streets were calling out, attracting many, and business was booming.
Seeing those pretty ladies dressed in colorful dresses, Liu Bang was captivated…this was all new to him, so strange, and looking forward to. He felt that he was also a man and he should have all these. At Xianyang, Liu Bang saw Qin Shi Huang going on his inspection tour. He sighed deeply, a long sigh that was recorded in history, “A man should definitely be like him!”
Whatever Liu Bang did, he could not have managed it without the help of his good friends. Liu Bang was an expert in befriending people; he had a very good relationship with Xiao He, Cao Can, Xiahou Ying, and many other people. Almost all of them were so close to Liu Bang that they were even willing to draw out their swords to help protect him. After that, they assisted Liu Bang in the fight for the throne.
Since Liu Bang had a lot of friends, he had to treat them all sometimes. He did not have much money, so he often went to people’s houses. However, he also brought his friends over sometimes. After a long period of time, although Liu Bo and Liu Zhong did not really want to bring this up as Liu Bang was his brother after all, however, their wives were complaining. They said Liu Bang was lazy and kept relying on people for free meals. Liu Tai Gong, Liu Bang’s father, knew about all these going on and the fact that Liu Bang had to rely on himself in the later part of his life. Secretly, he blamed Liu Bang for not bringing honor to the family and decided to talk some sense to him…
I will continue Liu Bang’s biography if I have time.
Hope you like it. Comments and criticisms are welcomed.
Liu Bang
2 votes
Liu Bang: A Biography
Started by
Guest_Liu Bang_*
, Dec 24 2007 09:22 AM
37 replies to this topic
#2
kaiselin
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Posted 24 December 2007 - 10:30 AM
Thank You Liu Bang,
I enjoyed part 1.
Please continue when you get the time to.
You may be many years my junior, but I know nothing of this part of China's history.
I enjoyed part 1.
Please continue when you get the time to.
You may be many years my junior, but I know nothing of this part of China's history.
You can only go halfway into the darkest forest; then you are coming out the other side.
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#3
Bao Pu
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Posted 24 December 2007 - 01:02 PM
There's also some great information in a past CHF thread: http://www.chinahist...p?showtopic=157
May you enjoy good health, harmony and happiness.
#4
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
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- Guest
Posted 25 December 2007 - 02:25 AM
Dear all,
This is a short biography (Part 2) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖)
Liu Bang’s bad habits were very hard to change and Liu Bang took Liu Tai Gong’s （刘太公） words like water off a duck’s back and did not listen to him. He persisted in his own ways, no matter what people said about him. That made Liu Tai Gong very angry, and he decided to call a family meeting.
Liu Tai Gong admonished Liu Bang, “Third son, you cannot spend the days fooling around and doing nothing useful, whiling your time away.
Liu Bang replied, “What do you mean by doing something useful? Are you taking about marriage?”
“If you don’t marry a wife, how are you going to get food? And without food, how are you going to survive? I am already so old, when can I see you get married?”
Laughter. “Old man, do not worry. You might despite me now, but when I want to, I will get you good food to eat and enjoy riches!”
Liu Bang had finished saying his part and went out. That angered Liu Tai Gong as a family meeting was disrupted. Liu Tai Gong pointed at Liu Bang angrily and chided, “If you really have caliber as you stated, you better earn some money by yourself and learn from your second brother!”
Although Liu Bang had already gone out of the house, he could hear very clearly what Liu Tai Gong had said. When Liu Bang became emperor at last, he acknowledged his father as Grand Emperor（太上皇）, and invited his officials for a banquet. Liu Bang held his goblet with both hands and offered a toast to the Grand Emperor, his father. He had not forgotten what his father said long ago, and repeated his words to the officials around.
“Once, the Grand Emperor scolded me for being lazy, lazing around all day long and cannot be compared to 2nd brother. Now, does the statement still apply?” The officials broke into deafening cheers. Liu Tai Gong had to take back his words too.
Due to the fact that Liu Bang spoiled the family meeting, Liu Tai Gong treated Liu Bang coldly sometimes, but Liu Bang did not mind and continued to go to his friends’ residences and fool around. Sometimes, he even went to his brothers’ residences to make merry and although his brothers’ wives’ did not really welcome him, they kept mum as Liu Bang was also related to them and it would not look nice to chase him away. However, since his brothers’ already had their own families, Liu Bang would not stay and eat at their residences for a long period.
Not long ago, Liu Bang’s second brother, Liu Bo, died due to an illness. His wife became a widow and found it hard to support herself. Liu Bang, however, was as ‘don’t-carish’ as ever, bringing his friends over to her residence for free meals.
One day, when it was already lunch and Liu Bang was ‘like normal’, bringing his friends over to Liu Bo’s wife, his sis-in-law’s house for lunch. Once he entered, he was spotted by his sister-in-law who was preparing lunch. She became angry when she was Liu Bang and thought, “This young kid keeps on coming for free meals here and bringing his friends. I have enough of him!” She became so furious that she rattled the pots and pans, and took a brush to start scrubbing the plates, indicating that lunch was already over and she was clearing up. The clatter was so loud, it shook the house. Liu Bang and his friends heard this mysterious sound and regretted coming here late. They left disillusioned. After that, Liu Bang secretly went to the kitchen, and saw, to his astonishment, that the rice is the pot was still uncooked and hot steam was rising from the pot. He gritted his teeth and sighed. From then on, he hated his sister-in-law.
When Liu Bang became emperor and gave his officials titles, he gave his 2nd brother, Liu Zhong(刘仲), the title of King of Dai(代王), his elder cousin, Liu Jia (刘贾), the King of Jing(荆王), his youngest brother, Liu Jiao（刘交）, the King of Chu（楚王）. He had already gave four of his relatives titles, but left out his eldest brother, Liu Bo’s son, named Liu Xin(刘信). Liu Tai Gong brought up this subject to Liu Bang. Liu Bang replied, “Of course I would not pass over him, but last time his mother was very disrespectful to me, and until today I am still angry with her.” However, on the tenth month, he decided to give Liu Xin the title of Marquis of Geng Xie (羹颉侯). Geng Xie means the clatter of pots and pans.
I will continue Liu Bang’s biography if I have time.
Hope you like it. Comments and criticisms are welcomed.
Liu Bang
This is a short biography (Part 2) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖)
Liu Bang’s bad habits were very hard to change and Liu Bang took Liu Tai Gong’s （刘太公） words like water off a duck’s back and did not listen to him. He persisted in his own ways, no matter what people said about him. That made Liu Tai Gong very angry, and he decided to call a family meeting.
Liu Tai Gong admonished Liu Bang, “Third son, you cannot spend the days fooling around and doing nothing useful, whiling your time away.
Liu Bang replied, “What do you mean by doing something useful? Are you taking about marriage?”
“If you don’t marry a wife, how are you going to get food? And without food, how are you going to survive? I am already so old, when can I see you get married?”
Laughter. “Old man, do not worry. You might despite me now, but when I want to, I will get you good food to eat and enjoy riches!”
Liu Bang had finished saying his part and went out. That angered Liu Tai Gong as a family meeting was disrupted. Liu Tai Gong pointed at Liu Bang angrily and chided, “If you really have caliber as you stated, you better earn some money by yourself and learn from your second brother!”
Although Liu Bang had already gone out of the house, he could hear very clearly what Liu Tai Gong had said. When Liu Bang became emperor at last, he acknowledged his father as Grand Emperor（太上皇）, and invited his officials for a banquet. Liu Bang held his goblet with both hands and offered a toast to the Grand Emperor, his father. He had not forgotten what his father said long ago, and repeated his words to the officials around.
“Once, the Grand Emperor scolded me for being lazy, lazing around all day long and cannot be compared to 2nd brother. Now, does the statement still apply?” The officials broke into deafening cheers. Liu Tai Gong had to take back his words too.
Due to the fact that Liu Bang spoiled the family meeting, Liu Tai Gong treated Liu Bang coldly sometimes, but Liu Bang did not mind and continued to go to his friends’ residences and fool around. Sometimes, he even went to his brothers’ residences to make merry and although his brothers’ wives’ did not really welcome him, they kept mum as Liu Bang was also related to them and it would not look nice to chase him away. However, since his brothers’ already had their own families, Liu Bang would not stay and eat at their residences for a long period.
Not long ago, Liu Bang’s second brother, Liu Bo, died due to an illness. His wife became a widow and found it hard to support herself. Liu Bang, however, was as ‘don’t-carish’ as ever, bringing his friends over to her residence for free meals.
One day, when it was already lunch and Liu Bang was ‘like normal’, bringing his friends over to Liu Bo’s wife, his sis-in-law’s house for lunch. Once he entered, he was spotted by his sister-in-law who was preparing lunch. She became angry when she was Liu Bang and thought, “This young kid keeps on coming for free meals here and bringing his friends. I have enough of him!” She became so furious that she rattled the pots and pans, and took a brush to start scrubbing the plates, indicating that lunch was already over and she was clearing up. The clatter was so loud, it shook the house. Liu Bang and his friends heard this mysterious sound and regretted coming here late. They left disillusioned. After that, Liu Bang secretly went to the kitchen, and saw, to his astonishment, that the rice is the pot was still uncooked and hot steam was rising from the pot. He gritted his teeth and sighed. From then on, he hated his sister-in-law.
When Liu Bang became emperor and gave his officials titles, he gave his 2nd brother, Liu Zhong(刘仲), the title of King of Dai(代王), his elder cousin, Liu Jia (刘贾), the King of Jing(荆王), his youngest brother, Liu Jiao（刘交）, the King of Chu（楚王）. He had already gave four of his relatives titles, but left out his eldest brother, Liu Bo’s son, named Liu Xin(刘信). Liu Tai Gong brought up this subject to Liu Bang. Liu Bang replied, “Of course I would not pass over him, but last time his mother was very disrespectful to me, and until today I am still angry with her.” However, on the tenth month, he decided to give Liu Xin the title of Marquis of Geng Xie (羹颉侯). Geng Xie means the clatter of pots and pans.
I will continue Liu Bang’s biography if I have time.
Hope you like it. Comments and criticisms are welcomed.
Liu Bang
#5
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
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- Guest
Posted 25 December 2007 - 03:19 AM
Thank You Liu Bang,
I enjoyed part 1.
Please continue when you get the time to.
You may be many years my junior, but I know nothing of this part of China's history.
Dear Kaiselin,
Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. For your infomation, Part 2 is out now.
Liu Bang
There's also some great information in a past CHF thread: http://www.chinahist...p?showtopic=157
Thanks a lot for the link.
#6
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
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- Guest
Posted 25 December 2007 - 03:20 AM
Hope you enjoy Part 2!
#7
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
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- Guest
Posted 25 December 2007 - 09:02 PM
Dear all,
This is a short biography (Part 3) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖).
Liu Bang made a very important friend at that time. The friend's name was Xiao He and he came from Pei County too.
Xiao He was a small official serving under the magistrate of Pei County and he was the main helper of the magistrate of Pei County. He held much power in Pei County. Liu Bang was certainly lucky to meet up with such a person as Xiao He assisted Liu Bang a great deal in the later part of his life.
If Liu Bang only knew how to make friends and fooled around with them, he, at the most could only become a junior official. There are two important criteria he must have if he wants to make it big: First, the fate that Heaven had given him and secondly, he must have a group of able people under his hands. If not, whatever he did, he would never become the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty.
When Liu Bang had not interfered in politics yet, Xiao He helped him many times to avoid being caught by the long arms of the law. The fact that Liu Bang was able to become a small patrol official in Pei County was also due to Xiao He's recommendation. Even when Liu Bang became Emperor Han Gaozu, he also received guidance from Xiao He.
In Part 1 of Liu Bang's biography, I had mentioned that Liu Bang went to Xianyang for a trip. At that time, the whole Pei County all gave Liu Bang money before he set off. Everyone gave him 300 pieces of money and only Xiao He gave him 500 pieces of money- eqiuvalent to a year of food supplies. This shows that Liu Bang and Xiao He were very close to one another. When Liu Bang became emperor, he rewared Xiao He with 2000 more households to repay Xiao He's kindness upon giving him 200 pieces of gold more. Liu Bang never forgot Xiao He's kindness and help to him in his life.
Of course, Liu Bang was only a mere commoner at that time and he had no position in society and even in his family, with no economic position either. Xiao He was the most prominent among all the friends he had. However, Liu Bang could still receive help from Xiao He- this shows that Liu Bang's ability to make friends was exceptional.
Xiahou Ying was also from Pei County and one of Liu Bang's friends. He served as a driver of a carriage under the governemnt of Pei County. When Liu Bang was still a minor patrol official in Pei County, Xiahou Ying was a carriage driver, driving the officials of Pei County to and fro. If he had the opportunity to pass by Sishui (Liu Bang's area), he would stop and chat with Liu Bang for a while before he continued his job. Later, when Xiahou Ying became an official in Pei County, Liu Bang was delighted and celebrated the joy with him by drinking wine together.
Of course, when one became drunk, it is unavoidable that something bad would happen, and it could happen between friends too. When Liu Bang and Xiahou Ying became drunk, they would fight with each other, using their fists. Liu Bang accidentally hurt Xiahou Ying on some occasions, and was reported by people to the magistrate of Pei County.
I will continue this translation if I have time.
Hope you enjoy it. Comments and criticisms are greatly welcomed.
Liu Bang
This is a short biography (Part 3) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖).
Liu Bang made a very important friend at that time. The friend's name was Xiao He and he came from Pei County too.
Xiao He was a small official serving under the magistrate of Pei County and he was the main helper of the magistrate of Pei County. He held much power in Pei County. Liu Bang was certainly lucky to meet up with such a person as Xiao He assisted Liu Bang a great deal in the later part of his life.
If Liu Bang only knew how to make friends and fooled around with them, he, at the most could only become a junior official. There are two important criteria he must have if he wants to make it big: First, the fate that Heaven had given him and secondly, he must have a group of able people under his hands. If not, whatever he did, he would never become the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty.
When Liu Bang had not interfered in politics yet, Xiao He helped him many times to avoid being caught by the long arms of the law. The fact that Liu Bang was able to become a small patrol official in Pei County was also due to Xiao He's recommendation. Even when Liu Bang became Emperor Han Gaozu, he also received guidance from Xiao He.
In Part 1 of Liu Bang's biography, I had mentioned that Liu Bang went to Xianyang for a trip. At that time, the whole Pei County all gave Liu Bang money before he set off. Everyone gave him 300 pieces of money and only Xiao He gave him 500 pieces of money- eqiuvalent to a year of food supplies. This shows that Liu Bang and Xiao He were very close to one another. When Liu Bang became emperor, he rewared Xiao He with 2000 more households to repay Xiao He's kindness upon giving him 200 pieces of gold more. Liu Bang never forgot Xiao He's kindness and help to him in his life.
Of course, Liu Bang was only a mere commoner at that time and he had no position in society and even in his family, with no economic position either. Xiao He was the most prominent among all the friends he had. However, Liu Bang could still receive help from Xiao He- this shows that Liu Bang's ability to make friends was exceptional.
Xiahou Ying was also from Pei County and one of Liu Bang's friends. He served as a driver of a carriage under the governemnt of Pei County. When Liu Bang was still a minor patrol official in Pei County, Xiahou Ying was a carriage driver, driving the officials of Pei County to and fro. If he had the opportunity to pass by Sishui (Liu Bang's area), he would stop and chat with Liu Bang for a while before he continued his job. Later, when Xiahou Ying became an official in Pei County, Liu Bang was delighted and celebrated the joy with him by drinking wine together.
Of course, when one became drunk, it is unavoidable that something bad would happen, and it could happen between friends too. When Liu Bang and Xiahou Ying became drunk, they would fight with each other, using their fists. Liu Bang accidentally hurt Xiahou Ying on some occasions, and was reported by people to the magistrate of Pei County.
I will continue this translation if I have time.
Hope you enjoy it. Comments and criticisms are greatly welcomed.
Liu Bang
#8
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
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- Guest
Posted 27 December 2007 - 03:37 AM
Dear all,
This is a short biography (Part 4) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖).
Liu Bang was a patrol official and if he was caught hurting others, he would be severly punished, as well as lose his position as a patrol official. To prevent him from landing into a dire situation, Liu Bang and Xiahou Ying swore an oath. When both of them were being questioned, Liu Bang would deny beating Xiahou Ying up and Xiahou Ying would say that Liu Bang did not really hurt him. However, Xiahou Ying was caught telling untruths later on and he was put behind bars for a year and given hundreds over strokes of the cane. But he still protected Liu Bang, saving him from being punished. When Liu Bang raised a rebellion, Xiahou Ying was still the driver of his carriage, and saved Liu Bang from many dangers too. This shows that the bond between Liu Bang and Xiahou Ying was very close. Liu Bang made Xiahou Ying one of the important 9 officials, and Xiahou Ying continued to be Liu Bang's carriage driver.
Liu Bang also made a very good friend by the name of Ren Ao- a small official working in the prison. When Liu Bang had committed some crimes and was hiding here and there, the prison guard could not find him, so he took Liu Bang's wife, Lu Zhi and locked her up. The prison guard was very nasty to her, and even attempted to rape her. When Ren Ao knew about this, he caught this prison guard up and gave him a sound beating, in helping Liu Bang to get revenge.
These three friends of Liu Bang were officials of Pei County. Xiao He had the highest position in Pei County, and Xiahou Ying's and Ren Ao's positions were equal to Liu Bang. At that time, there was also an official named Cao Can in Pei County, and he managed the prison. History books did not state the close relationship between him and Liu Bang. Although he participated in the Chu-Han Contention, was involved in Liu Bang's rebel army and achieved a great deal for Liu Bang, when Liu Bang gave his officials' titles, he made Xiao He first position, and Cao Can second. This of course was certainly not fair to Cao Can.
Hope you enjoy the story.
Liu Bang
This is a short biography (Part 4) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖).
Liu Bang was a patrol official and if he was caught hurting others, he would be severly punished, as well as lose his position as a patrol official. To prevent him from landing into a dire situation, Liu Bang and Xiahou Ying swore an oath. When both of them were being questioned, Liu Bang would deny beating Xiahou Ying up and Xiahou Ying would say that Liu Bang did not really hurt him. However, Xiahou Ying was caught telling untruths later on and he was put behind bars for a year and given hundreds over strokes of the cane. But he still protected Liu Bang, saving him from being punished. When Liu Bang raised a rebellion, Xiahou Ying was still the driver of his carriage, and saved Liu Bang from many dangers too. This shows that the bond between Liu Bang and Xiahou Ying was very close. Liu Bang made Xiahou Ying one of the important 9 officials, and Xiahou Ying continued to be Liu Bang's carriage driver.
Liu Bang also made a very good friend by the name of Ren Ao- a small official working in the prison. When Liu Bang had committed some crimes and was hiding here and there, the prison guard could not find him, so he took Liu Bang's wife, Lu Zhi and locked her up. The prison guard was very nasty to her, and even attempted to rape her. When Ren Ao knew about this, he caught this prison guard up and gave him a sound beating, in helping Liu Bang to get revenge.
These three friends of Liu Bang were officials of Pei County. Xiao He had the highest position in Pei County, and Xiahou Ying's and Ren Ao's positions were equal to Liu Bang. At that time, there was also an official named Cao Can in Pei County, and he managed the prison. History books did not state the close relationship between him and Liu Bang. Although he participated in the Chu-Han Contention, was involved in Liu Bang's rebel army and achieved a great deal for Liu Bang, when Liu Bang gave his officials' titles, he made Xiao He first position, and Cao Can second. This of course was certainly not fair to Cao Can.
Hope you enjoy the story.
Liu Bang
#9
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
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- Guest
Posted 27 December 2007 - 09:02 AM
Dear all,
This is a short biography (Part 4) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖).
History books have stated that the friendship between Xiao He and Cao Can was very good (before they rebelled). However, there were some misunderstandings between them when they rebelled. Liu Bang and Xiao He both agreed that the person fit to become prime minister was Cao Can. This showed that since both of them had some misunderstandings between them, they still understood each other very well. According to Liu Bang's position in society, although he could make friends with Xiao He, and Xiao He was Cao Can's good friend, he would not give up the opportunity to make friends with Cao Can. I am not sure of the reason why Liu Bang and Cao Can were not close to each other, probably because Cao Can belittled Liu Bang?
From the fact that Liu Bang made friends with Xiao He, Xiahou Ying and Ren Ao, we can see that although Liu Bang was just a mere commoner, he had already made the basics for his later plans in life. He had useful friendship bonds in Pei County.
Xiao He was the main helper of the magistrate of Pei County, and could provide Liu Bang with a lot outside-world information. And although Xiahou Ying was just a carriage driver, but at that time, normal commoners could not even afford to ride a carriage. The people who he drove around were Pei County's important officials and the representative officials of the upper government with more power. Xiahou Ying could make use of this good opportunity to listen and observe to the state of politics. The main reason why Liu Bang wanted to make friends with Xiahou Ying was probably to get what he could not get to hear-the state of politics.
History books have stated that when Xiahou Ying passed by Liu Bang's patrol area at Sishui, he would always stop and chat with Liu Bang before leaving, and that was when Liu Bang could get more political and social news from Xiahou Ying.
Ren Ao was an official in the prison at Pei County. At that time, the laws set by the Qin Dynasty Government were very strict and everyone lived in fear. Those who were thrown in prison had violated the laws, and most of the people locked up were not happy with the laws stated. Although you might not violate the laws, someone unknown might drag you in and involve you. That was how innocent people were locked up. Liu Bang made friends with Ren Ao had advantages too. When his relatives and friends violated the laws set by the Qin Dynasty, they could be let out, and being friends with Ren Ao also earned him the friendship of many heroes. These types of friends were considered important to Liu Bang.
Hope you like the article!
Liu Bang
This is a short biography (Part 4) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖).
History books have stated that the friendship between Xiao He and Cao Can was very good (before they rebelled). However, there were some misunderstandings between them when they rebelled. Liu Bang and Xiao He both agreed that the person fit to become prime minister was Cao Can. This showed that since both of them had some misunderstandings between them, they still understood each other very well. According to Liu Bang's position in society, although he could make friends with Xiao He, and Xiao He was Cao Can's good friend, he would not give up the opportunity to make friends with Cao Can. I am not sure of the reason why Liu Bang and Cao Can were not close to each other, probably because Cao Can belittled Liu Bang?
From the fact that Liu Bang made friends with Xiao He, Xiahou Ying and Ren Ao, we can see that although Liu Bang was just a mere commoner, he had already made the basics for his later plans in life. He had useful friendship bonds in Pei County.
Xiao He was the main helper of the magistrate of Pei County, and could provide Liu Bang with a lot outside-world information. And although Xiahou Ying was just a carriage driver, but at that time, normal commoners could not even afford to ride a carriage. The people who he drove around were Pei County's important officials and the representative officials of the upper government with more power. Xiahou Ying could make use of this good opportunity to listen and observe to the state of politics. The main reason why Liu Bang wanted to make friends with Xiahou Ying was probably to get what he could not get to hear-the state of politics.
History books have stated that when Xiahou Ying passed by Liu Bang's patrol area at Sishui, he would always stop and chat with Liu Bang before leaving, and that was when Liu Bang could get more political and social news from Xiahou Ying.
Ren Ao was an official in the prison at Pei County. At that time, the laws set by the Qin Dynasty Government were very strict and everyone lived in fear. Those who were thrown in prison had violated the laws, and most of the people locked up were not happy with the laws stated. Although you might not violate the laws, someone unknown might drag you in and involve you. That was how innocent people were locked up. Liu Bang made friends with Ren Ao had advantages too. When his relatives and friends violated the laws set by the Qin Dynasty, they could be let out, and being friends with Ren Ao also earned him the friendship of many heroes. These types of friends were considered important to Liu Bang.
Hope you like the article!
Liu Bang
#10
Lu Su
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- Entry Scholar (Xiucai)
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Posted 27 December 2007 - 09:44 PM
Excellent 
I shall now read the rest of them and any new ones you post. Thanks for submitting this for us Liu Bang =)
I shall now read the rest of them and any new ones you post. Thanks for submitting this for us Liu Bang =)
#11
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
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- Guest
Posted 29 December 2007 - 12:28 AM
You are welcome, Lu Su. Anyway, thanks a lot for your compliment. It isn't often that a 12-year old gets them, though. But I am sure that many talents here would know more things than me about Liu Bang.
But once again, thanks a lot.
But once again, thanks a lot.
#12
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
-
- Guest
Posted 29 December 2007 - 01:37 AM
Dear all,
This is a short continuation of the biography of Liu Bang (please refer to the first five parts for more information). I got the main facts from Liu Bang- Han Gaozu (刘邦-汉高祖).
The article:
Cao Can was the main prison official in Pei County and he knew political situations. So, when he rose to the position of prime minister in the Imperial Court and had to leave the State of Qi as prime miniter, he reminded his succeedor to take note of the prison and the market, and try to relax on these two areas. His succeedor did not understand him and asked, "To govern a country, are there not any areas that are more important than the prison and market?"
Cao Can replied, "Yes, of course there are. However, the prison and market are the two most likely to cause problems in society and if you interfere too much on these areas, it will result in the bad guys running all over the place, hiding. In the long run, these people will become very bold and bring harm to the society. So, I advise you to be careful. " Regarding this point, Liu Bang had the same feelings as Cao Can (guess great minds think alike!) From this point, we can see that when Liu Bang first knew Xiao He, Ren Ao and Cao Can, he already had plans for the future.
Of course, Liu Bang did not only make friends with the officials of Pei County, he also made friends with some people who were doing businesses for a living, like Zhou Bo and Fan Kuai. These people also fought alongside him next time, when Liu Bang was involved in the rebellion against the Qin Dynasty.
Zhou Bo and Fan Kuai also lived in Pei County and they were childhood friends. Zhou Bo blew the instruments and beat the drums for people who were having weddings while Fan Kuai was a butcher. When Liu Bang declared a rebel, both of them supported Liu Bang actively, especially Fan Kuai. During the rebellion, he became the main communicationist between Xiao He and Cao Can (who were inside the city) and Liu Bang, who was outside the city. I believe that Fan Kuai, a person who sells dog meat for a living and kept running away from the prison officials, would never had dreams of being a great official at last and assist Liu Bang up to the throne.
There was a story that said that Liu Bang often frequented Fan Kuai's place to fool around and eat free dog meat. Fan Kuai could not stand Liu Bang's behaviour and ran away and hid, while moving his stall to the other side of the river. Once, when Liu Bang was angry because he could not think of any plan to cross the river, a large turtle appeared and carried Liu Bang to his destination. Of course, Liu Bang ate to his heart's content again. Fan Kuai was so infuriated that he killed the turtle and cooked it with the dog meat to vent his anger. However, unexpectedly, teh dog meat tasted much nicer and his name travelled far and wide.
This is only a legend, but I thought I would share it with you guys here. So, we can infer that the friendship between Liu Bang and Fan Kuai was quite complicated.
Hope you enjoy the article! Comments, corrections and criticisms are welcomed!
Liu Bang
This is a short continuation of the biography of Liu Bang (please refer to the first five parts for more information). I got the main facts from Liu Bang- Han Gaozu (刘邦-汉高祖).
The article:
Cao Can was the main prison official in Pei County and he knew political situations. So, when he rose to the position of prime minister in the Imperial Court and had to leave the State of Qi as prime miniter, he reminded his succeedor to take note of the prison and the market, and try to relax on these two areas. His succeedor did not understand him and asked, "To govern a country, are there not any areas that are more important than the prison and market?"
Cao Can replied, "Yes, of course there are. However, the prison and market are the two most likely to cause problems in society and if you interfere too much on these areas, it will result in the bad guys running all over the place, hiding. In the long run, these people will become very bold and bring harm to the society. So, I advise you to be careful. " Regarding this point, Liu Bang had the same feelings as Cao Can (guess great minds think alike!) From this point, we can see that when Liu Bang first knew Xiao He, Ren Ao and Cao Can, he already had plans for the future.
Of course, Liu Bang did not only make friends with the officials of Pei County, he also made friends with some people who were doing businesses for a living, like Zhou Bo and Fan Kuai. These people also fought alongside him next time, when Liu Bang was involved in the rebellion against the Qin Dynasty.
Zhou Bo and Fan Kuai also lived in Pei County and they were childhood friends. Zhou Bo blew the instruments and beat the drums for people who were having weddings while Fan Kuai was a butcher. When Liu Bang declared a rebel, both of them supported Liu Bang actively, especially Fan Kuai. During the rebellion, he became the main communicationist between Xiao He and Cao Can (who were inside the city) and Liu Bang, who was outside the city. I believe that Fan Kuai, a person who sells dog meat for a living and kept running away from the prison officials, would never had dreams of being a great official at last and assist Liu Bang up to the throne.
There was a story that said that Liu Bang often frequented Fan Kuai's place to fool around and eat free dog meat. Fan Kuai could not stand Liu Bang's behaviour and ran away and hid, while moving his stall to the other side of the river. Once, when Liu Bang was angry because he could not think of any plan to cross the river, a large turtle appeared and carried Liu Bang to his destination. Of course, Liu Bang ate to his heart's content again. Fan Kuai was so infuriated that he killed the turtle and cooked it with the dog meat to vent his anger. However, unexpectedly, teh dog meat tasted much nicer and his name travelled far and wide.
This is only a legend, but I thought I would share it with you guys here. So, we can infer that the friendship between Liu Bang and Fan Kuai was quite complicated.
Hope you enjoy the article! Comments, corrections and criticisms are welcomed!
Liu Bang
#13
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
-
- Guest
Posted 30 December 2007 - 08:00 PM
Dear all,
All right, someone has complied all the parts together. I guess this would be now easier for you all to read them and you wouldn't have to organise a manhunt for the parts. I would also like to express my thanks to the person who complied everything.
This is a short biography (Part 7) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖) and many other sources like Baidu, Wikipedia and many more. Please refer to the previous parts up there, if you have missed some of them.
The continuation from Part 6:
Besides that, Liu Bang also had a closest friend among all of them- Lu Wan (卢绾).
Lu Wan and Liu Bang both lived in the same street and both their families were very close to each other. Lu Wan's father was very good friends with Liu Bang's father and both Lu Wan and Liu Bang were born on the same year, month and date. The neighbours all came to congratulate both families for giving birth to a son. Both of them attended classes together when they were young and were very close together. When Liu Bang often broke the law when he grew up and ran and hide over all the places, Lu Wan always followed him and finally became Liu Bang's trusted. He could even step into Liu Bang's bedroom and participate in secret strategies. Liu Bang's liking for him surpasses all the generals and his subordinates. Even Xiao He and Cao Can could never get as close as Lu Wan, speaking in terms of friendship with Liu Bang.
Liu Bang also had another friend- Yong Chi (雍齿).
He and Liu Bang both lived in the city of Fengyi and although he never got as close to Liu Bang as Lu Wan, he was definitely closer to him than Xiao He, Cao Can, Xiahou Ying, Zhou Bo, Ren Ao and Fan Kuai.
History sources did not really comment on Yong Chi's family status and his occupation. However, when Liu Bang raised a rebellion, he also participated in it. Liu Bang made him the General Guard of the city of Fengyi and viewed him as his trusted too. Sad to say, Yong Chi despised Liu Bang a little, and when the King of Wei sent troops to attack Fengyi, he betrayed Liu Bang and strongly defended against Liu Bang's attack. Although he followed Liu Bang in the end and acheived many battle accomplishments, Liu Bang was still suspicious of him and always wanted to find the chance to end Yong Chi's life.
There was a Wang Lin too （王陵）, but there wasn't much said about him. Liu Bang's motive to make friends with him was probably to depend on his wealth and influence.
Among all the emperors of Ancient China, Liu Bang was one of the poorest when talking about their past. Near the end of the Qin Dynasty, where Liu Bang raised a rebellion, he did not have much advantage, but he had the last laugh, the loudest of all. His good-natured, friendly and lazy temper assisted him a lot. Liu Bang is like a talent-attracting magnet, almost attracting all the talents at that time to assist him and stay by his side. Can he not succeed like that?
Part 7 is officially finished. Hope you like it. Comments and criticisms are greatly welcomed.
Liu Bang
All right, someone has complied all the parts together. I guess this would be now easier for you all to read them and you wouldn't have to organise a manhunt for the parts. I would also like to express my thanks to the person who complied everything.
This is a short biography (Part 7) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖) and many other sources like Baidu, Wikipedia and many more. Please refer to the previous parts up there, if you have missed some of them.
The continuation from Part 6:
Besides that, Liu Bang also had a closest friend among all of them- Lu Wan (卢绾).
Lu Wan and Liu Bang both lived in the same street and both their families were very close to each other. Lu Wan's father was very good friends with Liu Bang's father and both Lu Wan and Liu Bang were born on the same year, month and date. The neighbours all came to congratulate both families for giving birth to a son. Both of them attended classes together when they were young and were very close together. When Liu Bang often broke the law when he grew up and ran and hide over all the places, Lu Wan always followed him and finally became Liu Bang's trusted. He could even step into Liu Bang's bedroom and participate in secret strategies. Liu Bang's liking for him surpasses all the generals and his subordinates. Even Xiao He and Cao Can could never get as close as Lu Wan, speaking in terms of friendship with Liu Bang.
Liu Bang also had another friend- Yong Chi (雍齿).
He and Liu Bang both lived in the city of Fengyi and although he never got as close to Liu Bang as Lu Wan, he was definitely closer to him than Xiao He, Cao Can, Xiahou Ying, Zhou Bo, Ren Ao and Fan Kuai.
History sources did not really comment on Yong Chi's family status and his occupation. However, when Liu Bang raised a rebellion, he also participated in it. Liu Bang made him the General Guard of the city of Fengyi and viewed him as his trusted too. Sad to say, Yong Chi despised Liu Bang a little, and when the King of Wei sent troops to attack Fengyi, he betrayed Liu Bang and strongly defended against Liu Bang's attack. Although he followed Liu Bang in the end and acheived many battle accomplishments, Liu Bang was still suspicious of him and always wanted to find the chance to end Yong Chi's life.
There was a Wang Lin too （王陵）, but there wasn't much said about him. Liu Bang's motive to make friends with him was probably to depend on his wealth and influence.
Among all the emperors of Ancient China, Liu Bang was one of the poorest when talking about their past. Near the end of the Qin Dynasty, where Liu Bang raised a rebellion, he did not have much advantage, but he had the last laugh, the loudest of all. His good-natured, friendly and lazy temper assisted him a lot. Liu Bang is like a talent-attracting magnet, almost attracting all the talents at that time to assist him and stay by his side. Can he not succeed like that?
Part 7 is officially finished. Hope you like it. Comments and criticisms are greatly welcomed.
Liu Bang
#14
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
-
- Guest
Posted 31 December 2007 - 09:02 AM
Dear all,
Part 8 is out now! Its a bit short, but I hope you don't mind.
The article:
Legend has it that before Liu Bang was born, Heaven had already given some signs that Liu Bang would be emperor.
Once, when Liu Ao was resting somewhere in Daze County, probably because she was too tired, and slept suddenly. She dreamed of a very strange thing- conversing with the deities. At that time, thunder was rolling and lightning flashed, and Liu Tai Gong saw that it was raining and hurriedly went to find Liu Ao. He found Liu Ao at Daze County, sleeping next to a dragon. Liu Ao gave birth after that to Liu Bang. Of course, this is a myth, but it showed that Liu Bang is a breed of a dragon- the Emperor. It shows that Liu Bang would achieve success in the future.
However, Liu Ao did not tell anyone of such a dream and Liu Tai Gong did not tell anyone that he spotted a dragon sleeping next to Liu Ao, and so nobody knew the secret. If they unleashed the secret when Liu Bang became emperor, probably people would believe them. However, Liu Ao died at a young age and she did not have the opportunity to see Liu Bang make it big. What a pity indeed.
We will put this story down as accurate, since Sima Qian recorded down this legend. So, no one can confirm Liu Ao’s mysterious dream as Liu Bang made it big in life. But the fact that Liu Tai Gong had seen a dragon sleeping beside his wife is probably not true, and no one would believe him, as in real life, dragons do not exist.
When Liu Bang grew up, he became the patrol official of Sishui. Of course, this is a small matter. In the Qin laws, ten li was counted as an area of patrol and it has its own rules and regulations. People could come and stay in inns. In ten li, although there weren’t much of people, and the land was not really big but one person doing so many things and governing is really an accomplishment. This job is equal to a mayor nowadays.
Part 8 is out now! Its a bit short, but I hope you don't mind.
The article:
Legend has it that before Liu Bang was born, Heaven had already given some signs that Liu Bang would be emperor.
Once, when Liu Ao was resting somewhere in Daze County, probably because she was too tired, and slept suddenly. She dreamed of a very strange thing- conversing with the deities. At that time, thunder was rolling and lightning flashed, and Liu Tai Gong saw that it was raining and hurriedly went to find Liu Ao. He found Liu Ao at Daze County, sleeping next to a dragon. Liu Ao gave birth after that to Liu Bang. Of course, this is a myth, but it showed that Liu Bang is a breed of a dragon- the Emperor. It shows that Liu Bang would achieve success in the future.
However, Liu Ao did not tell anyone of such a dream and Liu Tai Gong did not tell anyone that he spotted a dragon sleeping next to Liu Ao, and so nobody knew the secret. If they unleashed the secret when Liu Bang became emperor, probably people would believe them. However, Liu Ao died at a young age and she did not have the opportunity to see Liu Bang make it big. What a pity indeed.
We will put this story down as accurate, since Sima Qian recorded down this legend. So, no one can confirm Liu Ao’s mysterious dream as Liu Bang made it big in life. But the fact that Liu Tai Gong had seen a dragon sleeping beside his wife is probably not true, and no one would believe him, as in real life, dragons do not exist.
When Liu Bang grew up, he became the patrol official of Sishui. Of course, this is a small matter. In the Qin laws, ten li was counted as an area of patrol and it has its own rules and regulations. People could come and stay in inns. In ten li, although there weren’t much of people, and the land was not really big but one person doing so many things and governing is really an accomplishment. This job is equal to a mayor nowadays.
#15
Guest_Liu Bang_*
Guest_Liu Bang_*
-
- Guest
Posted 31 December 2007 - 09:25 PM
Dear all,
This is a short biography (Part 9) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖) and many other sources like Baidu, Wikipedia and many more. Please refer to the previous parts up there, if you have missed some of them.
The article:
Liu Bang was useless (his family deemed him to be one) and loved to dindulge in wine-drinking. So, he often went to patronize a wine stall run by a person named Wang Ao and another woman, her surname being Wu. Being a poor man himself, Liu Bang liked to drink until he was drunk. Wherever there was wine, he would go and patronize the stall. Wine-drinking was enjoyment to him. However, something strange happened again. The woman whose surname was Wu and Wang Ao always saw a form of a dragon appearing on top of Liu Bang's head. They felt very astonished. After that, Liu Bang kept on patronizing their stall everyday and after days, weeks and even months, the wine that he had drank had already cost him a hefty amount, but the two bosses did not charge him. They teared up the receipt and treated Liu Bang to free wine.
Liu Bang was quite free as a patrol official and so he often went back home to visit Lu Zhi and his two children.
One day, when Lu Zhi was working in the fields with her two children, an old man passed by them and requested for a drink of water. Lu Zhi immediately brought some food and drinks out to serve the old man.
The old man practiced physiognomy, and told Lu Zhi's fortune for free by looking at her face. He said, "You are a noble person and you will rule as a mother next time, over the Central Plains."
Lu Zhi was known as Empress Lu later on in history. If she was supposed to rule the Central Plains as a mother, won't Liu Bang be the emperor?
Lu Zhi also invited the old man to tell her son, Lu Ying's, fortune.
The old man said, "The fact that you can rule the world as a mother is due to this boy here."
Liu Ying became Emperor Xiao Hui of Han later on.
The old man also told Lu Zhi her daughter's fortune, and said, "This girl will also make it big one day." This girl was Princess Luyuan when Liu Bang became Emperor. She married the King of Zhao, Zhang Ao, in future.
When the old man had left not long after, Liu Bang came back. Lu Zhi then told Liu Bang clearly all that had happened- what the old man said and did. Liu Bang was so excited that he immediately asked Lu Zhi about how long had the old man left. "Not long ago," she answered. Liu Bang rushed out of his house and raced to the fields. He caught up with the old man soon and politely asked the old man to tell him his fortune.
The old man looked at Liu Bang for a moment and said, "Just now the fate that awaits the lady and the two children are the same as yours. However, you fate is exceptionally, far more worthly than them, and no words could be used to describe it. The three people that i saw just now owned their wonderful fate to you. "
Liu Bang bowed deeply and thanked the old man. He said, "If I really made it big like you said I would, I would never forget your kindness and gratitude to you for as long as I live."
When Liu Bang became Emperor Gaozu of Han, he sent people to search for teh old man, but he was nowhere to be found.
In the olden days, people strongly believed in physiognomy......
Hope you enjoy this article!
Liu Bang
This is a short biography (Part 9) of Liu Bang. I got the main facts from a book entitled Liu Bang-Han Gaozu (刘邦- 汉高祖) and many other sources like Baidu, Wikipedia and many more. Please refer to the previous parts up there, if you have missed some of them.
The article:
Liu Bang was useless (his family deemed him to be one) and loved to dindulge in wine-drinking. So, he often went to patronize a wine stall run by a person named Wang Ao and another woman, her surname being Wu. Being a poor man himself, Liu Bang liked to drink until he was drunk. Wherever there was wine, he would go and patronize the stall. Wine-drinking was enjoyment to him. However, something strange happened again. The woman whose surname was Wu and Wang Ao always saw a form of a dragon appearing on top of Liu Bang's head. They felt very astonished. After that, Liu Bang kept on patronizing their stall everyday and after days, weeks and even months, the wine that he had drank had already cost him a hefty amount, but the two bosses did not charge him. They teared up the receipt and treated Liu Bang to free wine.
Liu Bang was quite free as a patrol official and so he often went back home to visit Lu Zhi and his two children.
One day, when Lu Zhi was working in the fields with her two children, an old man passed by them and requested for a drink of water. Lu Zhi immediately brought some food and drinks out to serve the old man.
The old man practiced physiognomy, and told Lu Zhi's fortune for free by looking at her face. He said, "You are a noble person and you will rule as a mother next time, over the Central Plains."
Lu Zhi was known as Empress Lu later on in history. If she was supposed to rule the Central Plains as a mother, won't Liu Bang be the emperor?
Lu Zhi also invited the old man to tell her son, Lu Ying's, fortune.
The old man said, "The fact that you can rule the world as a mother is due to this boy here."
Liu Ying became Emperor Xiao Hui of Han later on.
The old man also told Lu Zhi her daughter's fortune, and said, "This girl will also make it big one day." This girl was Princess Luyuan when Liu Bang became Emperor. She married the King of Zhao, Zhang Ao, in future.
When the old man had left not long after, Liu Bang came back. Lu Zhi then told Liu Bang clearly all that had happened- what the old man said and did. Liu Bang was so excited that he immediately asked Lu Zhi about how long had the old man left. "Not long ago," she answered. Liu Bang rushed out of his house and raced to the fields. He caught up with the old man soon and politely asked the old man to tell him his fortune.
The old man looked at Liu Bang for a moment and said, "Just now the fate that awaits the lady and the two children are the same as yours. However, you fate is exceptionally, far more worthly than them, and no words could be used to describe it. The three people that i saw just now owned their wonderful fate to you. "
Liu Bang bowed deeply and thanked the old man. He said, "If I really made it big like you said I would, I would never forget your kindness and gratitude to you for as long as I live."
When Liu Bang became Emperor Gaozu of Han, he sent people to search for teh old man, but he was nowhere to be found.
In the olden days, people strongly believed in physiognomy......
Hope you enjoy this article!
Liu Bang
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