The Birth of a New Dynasty

In the fifth month of summer, the city of Luoyang basked in golden sunlight as cicadas sang from lush branches. After seven grueling years of warfare, Liu Bang could finally rest from his campaigns without enduring the scorching heat. His mood was jubilant. As the various kings returned to their territories, Liu Bang reflected on their respectful demeanor, feeling the true weight of imperial majesty. Following a court assembly, he gathered his ministers for a celebratory banquet in the Southern Palace.

Beneath the shade of courtyard locust trees where cool breezes whispered, newly recruited court entertainers performed the vigorous Bayu dance to the rhythmic beats of barbarian drums, creating an atmosphere of pure joy. Raising his cup, Liu Bang toasted his ministers: “Come now! With peace upon the land, I won’t imitate the meddlesome ways of Qin Shi Huang. Since our days are long, let us drink together and enjoy our wealth and honor!”

The ministers raised their cups in unison, proclaiming: “The Emperor is sagely and brilliant!”

After draining his cup, Liu Bang laughed: “Don’t lightly use those words ‘sagely and brilliant.’ I, Liu Ji, was but a minor official at Sishui Pavilion. That I ascended to this position within a few years was simply good fortune.”

Fan Kuai rose to object: “How can this be mere fortune? When Your Majesty hid in Mount Mangdang, Empress Lü brought you food. In that vast locust forest, who could have found you? Yet clouds of good omen hovered above you, pointing the way for the Empress. If this isn’t the aura of a sage, what is?”

Liu Bang roared with laughter: “You believe women’s tales? Such pretty stories might fool villagers, but not us!” The assembled ministers joined in the laughter as Fan Kuai stood speechless.

Chen Ping bowed and said: “Your Majesty’s benevolence is known throughout the land. When I traveled a thousand li to join you, was it because of villagers’ tales? Even commoners know you possess the Mandate of Heaven. That the realm submitted to Han—if not Heaven’s will, then what?”

Pointing at Chen Ping, Liu Bang chuckled: “With that silver tongue of yours, ten Xiang Yus would have been talked to death! Enough of this. All present here are veteran ministers who campaigned with me for years. Speak frankly—why did I gain the empire? Why did Xiang Yu lose it?”

Two generals, Gao Qi and Wang Ling, stepped forward. Gao Qi said: “Your Majesty often treated people casually, while Xiang Yu showed great courtesy. Yet when you sent generals to conquer territories, you shared all gains with your meritorious subjects without hesitation—this was benefiting all under Heaven together.”

Liu Bang studied Gao Qi before nodding approvingly: “Well said! For a military man to have such insight is rare. You shall be enfeoffed as a marquis.” (This Gao Qi would later become Marquis of Duwu—his sole historical mention stemming from this single remark.)

Wang Ling added: “Exactly! Xiang Yu was jealous of the worthy and suspicious of the virtuous—he couldn’t even tolerate the elder Fan Zeng. When subordinates achieved victories, he withheld rewards; when they gained lands, he kept the benefits. How did he differ from a petty tyrant? If such a man didn’t lose the empire, would there be any justice?”

As the ministers murmured agreement, Liu Bang stroked his beard and smiled. When the chatter subsided, he said: “You grasp part but not all. In devising strategies within the command tent to secure victories a thousand li away, I cannot match Zhang Liang. In filling state coffers, comforting the people, and ensuring uninterrupted supply lines, I cannot match Xiao He. In leading a million troops to certain victory in every battle and conquest, I cannot match Han Xin. These three are extraordinary men whom I could employ—this is why I gained the empire. Xiang Yu had one Fan Zeng but couldn’t use him—how could he avoid defeat by my hand?”

The ministers turned to gaze at Zhang Liang and Xiao He as if seeing them anew, then competed to praise Liu Bang’s wisdom. With a hearty laugh, Liu Bang asked Chen Ping: “Brother Chen Ping, do you submit to these Three Heroes of Han?”

Chen Ping hastily knelt: “This mediocre subject with only a glib tongue—how could I not submit? Without the Three Heroes, who knows when the Han would have gained the empire? I can only bow in admiration.”

As the ministers paid respects to Zhang Liang and Xiao He, Liu Bang was delighted: “Unspoken matters remain unclear. Now that all understand how the Han gained the empire! Yet men’s talents are Heaven-given—none can demand more. Only through loyalty to sovereign and diligence in state affairs can our rivers and mountains remain secure as iron bastions. To enjoy lasting peace and daily drinking pleasures, you must all conduct yourselves properly.”

Xiahou Ying sprang up: “Your Majesty’s words approach sagehood! Our humble selves shall remember them. When the Han was weak, even Xiang Zhuang dared brandish his sword before you—for years I’ve burned with shame at this memory! Now the Han stands mighty while Xiang Zhuang rots in the wilds—what joy! Let your servant perform a sword dance!” Drawing his blade, he executed a dazzling routine that drew thunderous applause.

When Xiahou Ying finished, Liu Bang also drew his sword: “With peace established, this Han King’s sword has no use. Let the Privy Treasurer melt it into plowshares. Come spring, I shall personally guide the oxen to encourage farming. Though I’ve favored martial arts since youth, I’ve also read some texts. All matters under Heaven reduce to one principle—let the people eat their fill!”

As cheers erupted, Liu Bang waved for wine bearers to refill every cup, and ruler and ministers drank their fill once more.

The Challenge of Governance

After the banquet, a slightly unsteady Liu Bang saw his ministers to the palace gates. Fan Kuai supported him, joking: “Today we’re all drunk.”

Liu Bang replied: “After years of hardship, let us be drunk this once.”

Fan Kuai asked: “Brother-in-law, can we really get drunk like this every day now?”

Liu Bang snorted: “Governing an empire isn’t like your butcher’s trade—peace doesn’t come so easily. I speak thus only to put men’s hearts at ease. Among the eight kings, likely four wish to replace me. Not to mention remnants of Qi and Chu—have we rooted them all out? Where is Ji Bu? Where is Zhongli Mo? And that Tian Heng who boiled Scholar Li—where has he fled? Do you know details?”

“I do not.”

“Of course not. Governing is harder than scaling city walls. Even children know: ‘A thousand-zhang dike can collapse from an ant’s nest.’ Until we catch those ants, how can I sleep soundly?”

Days later, General Cao Can of Qi sent an urgent report: Former King of Qi Tian Heng, after defeat by Guan Ying, had taken refuge with Peng Yue. After Peng Yue submitted to Han, Tian Heng fled with retainers to an island where he gathered five hundred loyalists still wearing Qi attire, refusing surrender.

Liu Bang grew troubled: “Five hundred loyalists? When I entered Mount Mangdang, my band was smaller! If I were the Second Qin Emperor, I could ignore this. But having striven so hard, how can I emulate him?”

Advisor Sui He smiled bitterly: “Your Majesty, surely the Han won’t perish in two generations…”

“Exactly! Summon Zhang Liang immediately.”

When Zhang Liang arrived, Liu Bang explained the situation: “What are Tian Heng’s intentions?”

After reflection, Zhang Liang replied: “By gathering loyalists on an island, Tian Heng simply watches for change, hoping to restore Qi—his ambition isn’t small. Yet what can a spent arrow achieve? Your Majesty needn’t act hastily.”

“Then have Cao Can lead troops to exterminate them.”

“Expeditionary forces would work—better than nurturing future troubles. But the Bohai Sea isn’t flat land—even with tens of thousands of troops unfamiliar with water, victory would be difficult. Instead, send a persuasive envoy with an imperial pardon, allowing restoration of his ancestral temple while threatening military force. Knowing his position, Tian Heng will submit.”

“Excellent! Brother Zifang’s strategies always win through stability, unlike my impatience. Pity Scholar Li is gone—send Lu Jia to negotiate.”

The next day, Lu Jia departed with the pardon. After a bumpy journey to the Bohai coast where endless waves stretched to the horizon, he inquired about the island’s location from fishermen who feigned ignorance. An old man finally revealed: “An island large enough for five hundred must lie southeast of Jimo—not far offshore, six or seven li around, shaped like an elephant’s trunk.”

Following directions to Jimo, Lu Jia secured a ship and set sail. After three days, they spotted the island where armed guards challenged them. Identifying himself as a Han envoy, Lu Jia proclaimed: “The Han King has pacified Western Chu with all lords submitting—only you remain unblessed by Heaven’s grace. His Majesty values heroes—how could he bear to see one man grieving under Heaven? I come specially to invite your king.”

When Tian Heng appeared in commoner’s clothes yet radiating kingly aura, Lu Jia bowed deeply: “I’ve heard of noble men like Bo Yi and Shu Qi who refused Zhou’s grain, or Jie Zitui who rejected Jin’s service. Your Highness has righteousness, but can your fame surpass these worthies? Why discard a lifetime’s honor on this barren isle? With all lands under Han, why isolate yourself as a nameless wanderer?”

Tian Heng impatiently replied: “I care not for worldly glory. Whether I return to dust or become fish food concerns no one.”

Lu Jia persisted: “Your island isolation will erase your name while your five hundred followers have families—can you decide their fates lightly? The Han King invites you to share the empire as brothers.”

This struck home. Tian Heng softened and invited Lu Jia ashore to consult his men. That night, his advisors urged resistance: “The Han Emperor is notoriously untrustworthy—this invitation is surely a trap!” But Tian Heng decided: “The Han now dominates. I’ll go to spare my men’s lives.”

The Tragedy of Tian Heng

As they neared Luoyang, Tian Heng stopped at Shixiang Posthouse, telling Lu Jia: “I must bathe and change before meeting the Emperor.” After Lu Jia left to report, Tian Heng told two retainers: “I cannot kneel to one who was my equal. Better die with honor than live in shame.” Cutting his throat, he ordered: “Take my head to the Emperor so my men may live.”

When Liu Bang received the grisly delivery, he sighed: “A true hero! Though I never met Tian Heng, this noble bearing could belong to none other.” He ordered a royal burial at Beimang Mountain with a thousand guards.

After the funeral, the two retainers dug caves in the tomb walls. At dawn, they donned white mourning clothes, lamenting: “Our lord died for his country—how can we live?” Before astonished villagers, they committed suicide to accompany Tian Heng eternally.

Hearing this, Liu Bang grew uneasy: “If five hundred island loyalists learn of this…” He sent Lu Jia back to negotiate their surrender. Approaching by ship, Lu Jia announced Tian Heng’s honorable death and imperial pardon.

The five hundred men wailed in grief before singing the haunting “Song of the Dew on the Shallots”—later a funeral dirge. Then their leader cried: “Lord, wait for us!” and slit his throat. In moments, all five hundred followed suit, leaving Lu Jia stunned.

Returning to Luoyang, Liu Bang collapsed upon hearing the news: “So many righteous men under Heaven!” He then mused: “Without Ji Xin’s sacrifice, I might be today’s Tian Heng.”

The Hunt for Fugitives

With Tian Heng gone, Liu Bang turned to two remaining threats—Chu generals Ji Bu and Zhongli Mo. He ordered nationwide wanted posters offering gold for their capture.

Ji Bu had hidden with old friend Zhou Shezang in Puyang. When searches intensified, Zhou devised a plan: he shaved Ji Bu’s head, dressed him as a convict, and sold him to renowned knight Zhu Jia in Lu.

Recognizing Ji Bu’s nobility despite his disguise, Zhu Jia traveled to Luoyang to lobby Marquis Xiahou Ying: “A ruler shouldn’t pursue personal vendettas. Driving Ji Bu to northern barbarians or southern Yue would repeat King Ping of Chu’s mistake with Wu Zixu.”

Convinced, Xiahou Ying persuaded Liu Bang: “Ji Bu served Xiang Yu loyally—should all Chu followers be killed? His talent could benefit Han.”

Liu Bang agreed: “I won’t create another Wu Zixu to haunt me.” He pardoned Ji Bu and appointed him as a palace guard, saying: “You chased me at Sui River doing your duty—now serve me as faithfully.”

Meanwhile, Ji Bu’s half-brother Ding Gong—who had spared Liu Bang at Sui River—heard of the pardon and came seeking reward. But Liu Bang had him arrested: “As a Chu general, you betrayed your lord by releasing me. A disloyal subject is dangerous.” He executed Ding Gong as a warning against divided loyalties.

The Question of Zhongli Mo

Liu Bang suspected Zhongli Mo hid with King Han Xin of Chu. Advisor Chen Ping suggested a letter requesting his surrender to test Han Xin’s loyalty.

Indeed, Zhongli Mo had fled to Han Xin after Chu’s fall. The two old friends from Huaiyin enjoyed each other’s company, with Han Xin dismissing concerns: “This is Chu land—Han decrees mean nothing here.”

When Liu Bang’s inquiry arrived, Han Xin scoffed: “He pardoned Ji Bu—why can’t I shelter Zhongli Mo?” But the emperor grew suspicious after spies confirmed Zhongli Mo’s presence.

The Capital Question

Amid these concerns, commoner Lou Jing proposed moving the capital from Luoyang to the more defensible Guanzhong region. Though ministers opposed leaving their comfortable homes, strategist Zhang Liang supported Lou Jing’s reasoning: “Guanzhong’s natural barriers make it impregnable—the ‘Land Within the Passes’ can control all under Heaven.”

Impressed, Liu Bang enfeoffed Lou Jing as Lord Fengchun and granted him the imperial surname Liu—the first such honor in history. He immediately ordered the court’s relocation near Xianyang, where Chancellor Xiao He would build a new capital named Chang’an—”Eternal Peace”—around the surviving Epang Palace ruins.

As preparations began, Liu Bang mused: “With this move, we secure the Han’s foundation. Now to address remaining threats…” His gaze turned south toward Chu, where Han Xin’s loyalty remained uncertain.