The Rise of Lady Qi and the Favor of Emperor Gaozu

In the first year of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE), Liu Bang—later known as Emperor Gaozu of Han—was on his eastern campaign when he encountered a beautiful woman from Dingtao named Lady Qi (戚姬). She soon became his favored consort and accompanied him on military campaigns. Not long after, she gave birth to a son named Liu Ruyi (刘如意). By the seventh year of Han rule (200 BCE), Ruyi was enfeoffed as the King of Dai, one of many regional kings appointed by Liu Bang to consolidate power after eliminating rival warlords like Han Xin and Peng Yue.

Liu Bang had multiple sons by different consorts, but his clear favorite was Ruyi, whom he often praised as resembling himself in temperament. In contrast, he viewed his eldest son and crown prince, Liu Ying (刘盈), born to Empress Lü, as weak and unworthy. The emperor frequently expressed his desire to replace Liu Ying with Ruyi, declaring in Lady Qi’s presence, “I will never place an unworthy son above my beloved one!” This open favoritism sowed deep discord in the imperial court and set the stage for a brutal succession crisis.

The Failed Attempt to Depose Crown Prince Liu Ying

By 197 BCE, Liu Bang formally proposed deposing Liu Ying in favor of Ruyi. The court erupted in opposition, particularly from officials like Zhou Chang (周昌), a loyal minister who vehemently protested despite his stutter. Zhou’s impassioned, stumbling objections even made the emperor laugh, temporarily diffusing the tension. Empress Lü, recognizing Zhou’s role in protecting her son’s position, knelt in gratitude.

To secure Liu Ying’s status, Empress Lü enlisted the help of the Four Haos of Mount Shang (商山四皓), four revered elderly scholars whose support symbolized legitimacy. When Liu Bang saw these men attending Liu Ying, he realized the crown prince’s political backing was too strong to overturn. In a poignant moment, he summoned Lady Qi, pointed to the scholars, and lamented, “The crown prince’s wings have fully formed. There’s nothing I can do now.” He then sang a sorrowful Chu-style song about a swan soaring beyond reach—a metaphor for his inability to change fate.

The Vengeful Reign of Empress Lü

After Liu Bang’s death in 195 BCE, Empress Lü swiftly consolidated power. Her first act of vengeance targeted Lady Qi, who was imprisoned, forced into hard labor, and subjected to humiliations like shaved hair and shackles. In despair, Lady Qi sang a lament:

“My son is a king, while I am a slave.
Grinding grain till dusk, death my constant companion.
Three thousand miles apart—who will tell you of my suffering?”

This song sealed her doom. Upon hearing it, Empress Lü ordered Ruyi’s murder. Despite Emperor Hui’s (Liu Ying) efforts to protect his half-brother, Ruyi was poisoned. Lady Qi then endured unspeakable torture: her limbs severed, eyes gouged, ears deafened, and tongue silenced before being left to die in a cesspit as a “human swine” (人彘).

Cultural Reflections and Historical Legacy

The tragedy of Lady Qi and Ruyi mirrors the earlier fate of Xiang Yu’s beloved Consort Yu, both victims of political ruthlessness. Later poets drew parallels between the two women, noting how Lady Qi’s tearful Chu dance foreshadowed her grim end.

Empress Lü’s brutality shocked contemporaries and later historians, but it also underscored the precariousness of power in early Han politics. The episode influenced succession norms, discouraging overt favoritism that could destabilize the realm. Modern retellings often frame Lady Qi’s story as a cautionary tale about court intrigue and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Conclusion: Echoes of Tragedy in Han Dynasty Lore

The fall of Lady Qi remains one of the most haunting episodes of the Han Dynasty, illustrating the intersection of personal loyalty, political survival, and imperial family dynamics. While Empress Lü secured her lineage’s dominance, her methods left an indelible stain on her legacy. For later generations, the tale serves as a somber reminder of the human cost behind the grand narratives of empire-building.