The Desperate Fugitive in Mangdang Mountain

In the turbulent final years of the Qin Dynasty, a minor official named Liu Bang found himself on the run. As the chief of Sishui Pavilion in Pei County, Liu had been tasked with escorting a group of conscripted laborers to the construction site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum at Mount Li. However, along the journey through Mangdang Mountain, many laborers deserted. Instead of reporting the desertions—a crime punishable by execution under Qin law—Liu Bang allowed the remaining men to flee with him, turning them into outlaws in the wilderness.

For nearly a year, Liu and his band of roughly a hundred men survived by hunting and foraging, their lives marked by hardship and constant fear of discovery. Unlike Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, whose rebellion at Daze Village had already ignited widespread uprisings, Liu Bang hesitated to openly revolt. His reluctance stemmed from three key concerns: the risk of implicating his entire clan, his cautious nature as a former low-ranking official, and the slim chance of success without broader support.

The Turning Point: Rebellion Beckons

The catalyst for Liu Bang’s transformation came in the form of a butcher named Fan Kuai, an old friend dispatched by two county clerks, Xiao He and Cao Can. Fan brought startling news: Chen Sheng’s rebellion had succeeded, with his forces capturing multiple counties and declaring an independent state in Chen Commandery. More importantly, Xiao He and Cao Can had persuaded the Pei County magistrate to rebel—with Liu Bang’s help.

Seizing the opportunity, Liu rallied his ragged followers with a fiery speech: “Brothers! Others are feasting while we starve. If we don’t act now, we’ll be left with nothing but scraps!” The men roared in agreement, and Liu led them toward Pei County. However, upon arrival, they found the city gates shut—the magistrate, fearing Liu’s influence, had reneged on the plan.

The Bloodless Coup: Seizing Pei County

Undeterred, Liu Bang and his allies devised a cunning strategy. Xiao He drafted a message warning the townspeople of impending massacre if they resisted the rebellion. The letter, shot into the city on an arrow, incited panic among the elders. By dawn, the citizens and disgruntled soldiers stormed the magistrate’s office, killing him and opening the gates to Liu’s forces.

Inside Pei County, the elders urged Liu to assume leadership. Though he initially deferred to Xiao He and Cao Can, their insistence—and Fan Kuai’s blunt endorsement—pushed him to accept. Thus, Liu Bang became the self-proclaimed magistrate of Pei, marking the first unauthorized overthrow of Qin authority in the region.

The Ceremony of Legitimacy: Birth of the “Duke of Pei”

To legitimize their revolt, Liu’s advisors staged a grand ceremony. Recognizing that a mere county magistrate’s title lacked prestige, they proclaimed him “Pei Gong” (Duke of Pei), invoking the grandeur of ancient feudal lords. The ritual honored two figures: the Yellow Emperor, symbolizing unity, and Chi You, the mythical god of war.

The climax came when Fan Kuai, wielding a butcher’s knife, sacrificed three animals—a dog, deer, and pig—splattering their blood on a ceremonial drum. Xiao He declared the omen: “The Duke of Pei is the Red Emperor’s heir!” The crowd erupted, solidifying Liu’s divine mandate.

Early Campaigns and the Spread of Rebellion

Bolstered by 2,000–3,000 recruits, Liu’s forces captured nearby towns like Huling and Fangyu. However, a failed assault on Feng County forced a temporary halt. Unbeknownst to Liu, rebellions were erupting nationwide. The Qin Dynasty, once unshakable, was crumbling.

Legacy: From Outlaw to Emperor

Liu Bang’s rise from fugitive to founder of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) underscores his pragmatism and ability to harness popular discontent. His partnership with strategists like Xiao He and warriors like Fan Kuai became a model for leadership. The Han Dynasty, which he established, would shape Chinese civilization for centuries, institutionalizing Confucianism and expanding imperial power.

The tale of Pei County’s rebellion—a blend of desperation, opportunism, and mythmaking—remains a cornerstone of China’s historical narrative, illustrating how ordinary men, under extraordinary circumstances, can alter the course of history.