The Captivity That Shaped an Empress

The early years of the Han dynasty were marked by turbulence, and few figures embodied this instability more vividly than Empress Lü Zhi. Her story begins not in the halls of power, but as a hostage in the camp of Xiang Yu, the archrival of her husband, Liu Bang (later Emperor Gaozu of Han).

In 205 BCE, after Liu Bang’s forces captured the Chu capital of Pengcheng, he prioritized seizing treasures and concubines over rescuing his own family—a decision that would haunt his relationship with Lü Zhi. His father (Liu Taigong) and wife were captured by Xiang Yu’s forces and held for 28 grueling months. Historical records suggest Lü endured psychological torment, including a harrowing incident where Xiang Yu threatened to boil Liu Taigong alive. Liu Bang’s callous response—”If you cook my father, share the broth with me”—revealed a chilling pragmatism. That Lü survived this ordeal without recorded complaint speaks to her resilience, but it also foreshadowed the ruthlessness she would later display.

The Return to a Fractured Marriage

When Lü finally returned to Liu Bang in 203 BCE, she confronted a bitter reality: her husband had taken a younger consort, Lady Qi (戚夫人), whose beauty and musical talents captivated the aging emperor. The once-devoted wife found herself relegated to the role of a “left-behind” spouse, managing affairs in the capital while Lady Qi accompanied Liu Bang on campaigns.

This personal betrayal had political ramifications. Lü’s son, Liu Ying (the future Emperor Hui), was the heir, but Lady Qi lobbied relentlessly to replace him with her own son, Liu Ruyi. The stage was set for a lethal power struggle.

The Controversy of Shen Yiji: Scandal or Slander?

Central to Lü’s posthumous reputation is her alleged affair with Shen Yiji (审食其), a trusted retainer who had accompanied her during captivity. Tang dynasty poet Gao Shi immortalized the scandal in The City of Piyang, mocking Liu Bang for ennobling Shen despite the rumors. But what was the truth?

### The Case for the Affair
– Imperial Anger: Emperor Hui’s fury at Shen—ordering his arrest and near-execution—suggests a deeply personal grievance.
– Lü’s Shame: The Records of the Grand Historian notes Lü was too “ashamed” to intervene, implying impropriety.
– Political Leverage: Shen’s rise to Left Chancellor under Lü’s reign, despite lacking administrative duties, hints at undue influence.

### The Counterarguments
– No Direct Evidence: No Han-era texts explicitly accuse them of adultery.
– Shen’s Competence: His survival skills during captivity may explain Lü’s trust.
– Factional Politics: Shen’s enemies (like Chancellor Wang Ling) had motives to smear him.

The truth may lie in the gray area: a bond forged in trauma, weaponized by rivals.

The Art of Survival: How Shen Escaped Death

Shen’s near-execution in 195 BCE reveals the era’s brutal court intrigues. His salvation came via an unlikely ally—Zhu Jian, a principled scholar who despised Shen but owed him a debt for funeral expenses. Zhu manipulated Emperor Hui’s favorite male attendant, Hong Jiru, by warning that Lü would retaliate if Shen died. The ploy worked, showcasing how even “minor” players shaped history.

Legacy: From Victim to Villain?

Lü’s later reign as empress dowager (195–180 BCE) was marked by brutality—she infamously mutilated Lady Qi and poisoned Liu Ruyi. Yet her administrative prowess stabilized the Han dynasty. The Shen Yiji scandal, whether true or fabricated, became a tool to undermine her legacy, reflecting enduring biases against powerful women.

### Modern Parallels
– Gender and Power: Lü’s vilification mirrors how female leaders today face heightened scrutiny over personal lives.
– Historical Memory: The ambiguity of the Shen affair underscores how history is often written by the victors—and their biases.

In the end, Lü Zhi’s story is less about scandal than survival in an era where love, loyalty, and power were deadly gambles. Her complexities defy easy judgment, inviting us to reconsider how we narrate the lives of history’s most formidable women.

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