樊郦滕灌列传

Wuyang Marquis Fan Kuai was a man of Pei. He made his living by slaughtering dogs and selling their meat, living in obscurity together with Gaozu. At first, he followed Gaozu when he raised troops at Feng, attacking and capturing Pei County. When Gaozu became the Duke of Pei, he appointed Fan Kuai as his retainer. Fan Kuai followed him to attack Hu Ling and Fangyu, then returned to defend Feng. He struck the forces of the Sishui Supervisor below Feng and routed them. Later he went east and pacified Pei, defeating the Sishui Governor west of Xue. East of Dang, he fought against Sima Ni, drove back the enemy, and cut off fifteen heads. He was granted the rank of State Grand Master. He constantly followed the Duke of Pei. When the Duke of Pei attacked Zhang Han's army at Puyang, Fan Kuai was always the first to scale the city walls in the assault, beheading twenty-three enemies. For this he was promoted to the rank of Ranked Grand Master.

He again followed the army and attacked the city of Chengyang, being the first to scale the wall. He captured Huyou, defeated Li You's army, beheaded sixteen men, and was granted the rank of Shangjian. He followed the army to besiege the Grand Administrator and Commandant of Dongjun at Chengwu, repelling the enemy, beheading fourteen men, capturing eleven prisoners, and was granted the rank of Fifth Grand Master. He followed the army to attack the Qin forces, sallying forth south of Bo. The Administrator of Hejian stationed troops at Gangli, and they defeated them. They attacked and defeated Zhao Ben's army north of Kaifeng; for repelling the enemy and being first to scale the wall, he beheaded one scout, took sixty-eight heads, captured twenty-seven prisoners, and was granted the rank of Minister. He followed to attack and defeat Yang Xiong's army at Quyu. He attacked Wanling, being first to scale the wall, beheaded eight men, captured forty-four prisoners, and was granted the title 'Worthy and Accomplished Lord'. He followed to attack Changshe and Huanyuan, cut off the crossing at the Yellow River, attacked Qin forces east at Shi, and south at Chou. He defeated the Grand Administrator of Nanyang, Yi, at Yangcheng. He attacked Wan city in the east, being first to scale the wall. Westward he reached Zhi; for repelling the enemy, he beheaded twenty-four men, captured forty prisoners, and was granted an additional fief.

He attacked Wu Pass, reached Bashang, killed one commandant, took ten heads, captured 146 prisoners, and received the surrender of 2,900 soldiers. Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → was encamped at Xi, intending to attack the Lord of Pei. The Lord of Pei, with over a hundred cavalry, went through Xiang BoXiang BoXiang Yu's Uncle / The Midnight MessengerXiang Bo saved Liu Bang at the Hongmen Banquet — out of gratitude for Zhang Liang's kindness. His midnight ride changed China's fate.View profile → to meet Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → and apologized that he had not secured the passes. After Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → had feasted his troops, while they were half drunk, Fan ZengFan ZengXiang Yu's Chief StrategistThe old strategist who foresaw Liu Bang's danger from the very beginning — and died on the road after being driven away by Xiang Yu's suspicion.View profile →, the ‘Second Father’, plotted to kill the Lord of Pei. He ordered Xiang Zhuang to draw his sword and perform a dance among the seated guests, seeking to strike the Lord of Pei. Xiang BoXiang BoXiang Yu's Uncle / The Midnight MessengerXiang Bo saved Liu Bang at the Hongmen Banquet — out of gratitude for Zhang Liang's kindness. His midnight ride changed China's fate.View profile → constantly shielded him.

At that time, only Pei Gong and Zhang LiangZhang LiangThe Strategist Behind Two EmpiresAn aristocrat who attempted to assassinate the First Emperor with a hammer, then became an advisor serving two masters—and watched them destroy each other.View profile → were allowed inside and seated. Fan Kuai was outside the camp. Hearing that the situation was urgent, he took up an iron shield and forced his way into the camp. The camp guards stopped him, but Fan Kuai charged straight in and stood beneath the tent. Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → looked at him and asked who he was. Zhang LiangZhang LiangThe Strategist Behind Two EmpiresAn aristocrat who attempted to assassinate the First Emperor with a hammer, then became an advisor serving two masters—and watched them destroy each other.View profile → said, 'He is Fan Kuai, Pei Gong's carriage attendant.' Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → said, 'A brave man!' He bestowed upon him a goblet of wine and a shoulder of pork. Fan Kuai drank the wine, then drew his sword, sliced the meat, and ate it all. Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → said, 'Can you drink more?' Fan Kuai replied, 'I would not even refuse death—how much less a mere goblet of wine!'

Moreover, Pei Gong first entered and pacified Xianyang, stationing his troops in the open at Bashang to await you, Great King. Now that you have come, you have listened to petty men's slander and fallen out with Pei Gong. I fear the realm will disintegrate and people will begin to doubt you, Great King. Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → remained silent. Then Pei Gong went to the latrine, waving for Fan Kuai to go with him. Once outside, Pei Gong left behind his carriage and escort, mounted a single horse alone, and with Fan Kuai and three others following on foot, took a mountain path down to the Bashang camp, sending Zhang LiangZhang LiangThe Strategist Behind Two EmpiresAn aristocrat who attempted to assassinate the First Emperor with a hammer, then became an advisor serving two masters—and watched them destroy each other.View profile → to apologize to Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →. Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → therefore let the matter drop and no longer intended to kill Pei Gong. On that day, if Fan Kuai had not burst into the camp and vehemently reproached Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →, Pei Gong’s cause would have been nearly lost. The next day, Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → entered Xianyang and slaughtered its inhabitants, then installed Pei Gong as the King of Han.

The King of Han granted Fan Kuai the rank of a full marquis, with the title Linwu Marquis. He was promoted to Palace Attendant and followed the King into Hanzhong. After returning to pacify the Three Qins, he separately led troops east of Xi County and north of the Bai River to attack the light chariots and cavalry of the Yong forces, defeating them south of the city of Yong. He joined the assaults on Yong and Tai cities, being the first to scale the walls. At Haozhi he attacked Zhang Ping's army; in the siege he was the first to charge and break the enemy lines, beheading the county magistrate and his assistant, taking eleven heads and capturing twenty men, and was promoted to Cavalry Leader of the Palace Attendants. He followed in attacking the Qin army's chariots and cavalry east of Rang, repelled the foe, and was promoted to General. He attacked Zhao Ben, capturing Mei, Huaili, Liuzhong, and Xianyang; he flooded Feiqiu, where his merit was the greatest. When they reached Yueyang, he was granted the fief of Fanxiang in Du County as his income estate.

He followed Gaozu to attack Xiang Ji, massacring Zhuzao. He defeated the armies of Wang Wu and Cheng Chu at Waihuang. He attacked Zou, Lu, Xiaqiu, and Xue. Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → defeated the Han King at Pengcheng and retook all of Lu and Liang. Kuai returned to Xingyang, was granted an additional two thousand households from Pingyin, and as a general guarded Guangwu. After a year, Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → led his forces east. He followed Gaozu to strike Xiang Ji, capturing Yangxia and taking four thousand soldiers of the Chu general Zhou. They besieged Xiang Ji at Chen, routed him, and massacred Huling. After Xiang Ji's death, the Han King became emperor, and in recognition of Kuai's steadfast defense and combat achievements, he was granted eight hundred more households. He followed Emperor Gao to attack the rebellious Yan King Zang Tu, captured Tu, and secured Yan. When the Chu King Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile → rebelled, Kuai accompanied the emperor to Chen, seized Xin, and brought peace to Chu. He was then enfeoffed as a full marquis, sharing the tally with other lords, with hereditary succession guaranteed forever; his fief became Wuyang, and he was styled Marquis of Wuyang, his previous grants being revoked. As a general, he followed Gaozu to campaign against the rebellious Han King Xin in Dai.

From Huoren eastward to Yunzhong, Guan Ying together with the Marquis of Jiang and others pacified the territory, and his fief was increased by 1,500 households. He then attacked the armies of Chen Xi and Man Qiuchen, fought at Xiangguo, stormed Boren and was the first to scale its walls, forced the surrender and pacified all twenty-seven counties of Qinghe and Changshan, devastated Dongyuan, and was promoted to Left Chancellor. He defeated the armies of Qi Wuyi and Yin Pan at Wuzhong and Guangchang. In the south of Dai he defeated the army of Wang Huang, a Hu subordinate general of Chen Xi, and then attacked Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →’s army at Canhe. His troops beheaded Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →, crushed Chen Xi’s Hu cavalry at Henggu, beheaded General Zhao Ji, and captured the Chancellor of Dai, Feng Liang, the Governor Sun Fen, Grand General Wang Huang, a general, the Grand Coachman Xie Fu, and others — ten men in all. Together with the other generals, he subdued seventy-three settlements in the Dai region.

Afterwards, when King Yan Lu Wan rebelled, Fan Kuai as Chancellor of State led troops to attack Lu Wan. He defeated Lu Wan's chancellor south of Ji, pacifying the region of Yan, with a total of eighteen counties and fifty-one townships. While accompanying the main army, he took 176 heads and captured 288 men. Acting independently, he routed seven armies, captured five cities, pacified six commanderies and fifty-two counties, capturing one chancellor, twelve generals, and eleven officials with salaries ranging from two thousand shi down to three hundred shi.

His fief was increased by 1,300 households, and later fixed at 5,400 households in Wuyang. Fan Kuai married Lü Xu, the younger sister of Empress Lü, and had a son named Fan Kang. Thus, among all the generals, he was the closest to the emperor. Earlier, when Qing Bu rebelled, Emperor Gaozu was gravely ill and detested seeing anyone. He lay in the inner palace and decreed that the guards should let no officials enter. Officials such as Zhou Bo and Guan Ying did not dare to go in. After more than ten days, Fan Kuai pushed open the door and barged straight in, with other ministers following. The emperor was lying alone, resting his head on a eunuch.

His son, Marquis Yi (Zao), succeeded him, ruling for seven years before his death. His son, Marquis Gong (Ci), then ruled for thirty-one years. The next heir, Marquis Po, married Princess Pingyang. After nineteen years, in the second year of the Yuanding reign, he was accused of fornication with his father's concubine and took his own life, his title abolished.

When Emperor Gaozu heard of this, he was furious. He then sent Chen Ping to bring the Marquis of Jiang (Zhou Bo) in a carriage to replace Fan Kuai as general, and to behead Fan Kuai right in the army camp. Chen Ping, fearing Empress Lü, simply arrested Fan Kuai and escorted him to Chang'an. By the time they arrived, Gaozu had already passed away. Empress Lü released Fan Kuai and restored his noble title and fief. In the sixth year of Emperor Xiaohui, Fan Kuai died and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Wu. His son Fan Kang inherited the marquisate. Fan Kang's mother, Lü Xu, was also enfeoffed as the Marquis of Linguang. During Empress Dowager Lü's reign, she wielded power arbitrarily, and all high officials feared her. Fan Kang had been marquis for nine years when Empress Dowager Lü died.

When the senior ministers annihilated the Lü clan and the kindred of Lü Xu, they also executed Kang. The Marquis of Wuyang title lapsed for several months. Once Emperor Wen came to the throne, he again enfeoffed Fan Kuai's son by a concubine, Shiren, as Marquis of Wuyang, restoring his former rank and fief. Shiren held the title for twenty-nine years and died, receiving the posthumous name of Marquis Huang. His son Taguang succeeded to the marquisate. Six years later, a household retainer of the marquisate offended Taguang and nursing a grudge, submitted a memorial saying: 'Marquis Huang Shiren was ill and incapable of intercourse; he had his wife commit adultery with his younger brother to give birth to Taguang. Taguang is really not Marquis Huang's son and should not succeed as heir.' The emperor ordered the matter referred to judicial officers.

In the sixth year of the middle period of Emperor Jing's reign, He Guang was stripped of his marquisate and reduced to commoner status, and his fiefdom was abolished. Li Shang, Marquis of Quzhou, was a man of Gaoyang. When Chen ShengChen ShengHere is the English translation of the title: **"The Peasant Who Dared to Be King"**A conscripted soldier who ignited the revolution that toppled the Qin Empire — then became its first victim.View profile → rose in rebellion, Li Shang gathered a band of youths to raid and plunder east and west, collecting several thousand followers. The Duke of Pei was conquering territory and reached Chenliu; after more than six months, Li Shang brought four thousand soldiers and submitted to the Duke of Pei at Qi. He followed in the attack on Changshe, was the first to scale the city wall, and was enfeoffed as Lord Xincheng. He followed the Duke of Pei to attack Goushi, cut off the ford of the Yellow River, and defeated the Qin army east of Luoyang. He followed in the capture of Wan and Rang, and pacified seventeen counties. As a detached commander, he attacked Xun Pass and pacified Hanzhong.

After Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → destroyed Qin, he established the Duke of Pei as King of Han. The King of Han bestowed the title of Lord Xincheng upon Shang, appointed him as general and Commandant of Longxi. As a detached general he pacified Beidi and Shang commanderies. He defeated the army of General Yong at Yanshi, the army of Zhou Lei at Xunyi, and the army of Su Zu at Niyang. He was granted a fief in Wucheng with six thousand households. As Commandant of Longxi he followed the King of Han to attack Xiang Ji's army. In the fifth month he marched to Juye and fought fiercely against Zhongli Mei, receiving the seal of Chancellor of Liang and an increase of his fief by four thousand households.

As Chancellor of Liang, he led troops to follow Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → in attacking Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → for two years and three months, and assaulted Huling. After Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → had died, the King of Han became Emperor. That autumn, the King of Yan, Zang Tu, rebelled. Shang, as a general, followed the Emperor to attack Zang Tu. They fought at Longtuo, where he was the first to climb the ramparts and break through the enemy lines, defeated Zang Tu's army effortlessly, and forced the enemy to retreat. He was promoted to Right Chancellor, granted the title of Marquis, and shared a tally with the other feudal lords, to be passed down through generations without end. He was enfeoffed with five thousand households in Zhuo, with the title Marquis of Zhuo. As Right Chancellor, he separately pacified Shanggu, then launched an attack on Dai, and received the seal of the Chancellor of Zhao.

As Right Chancellor and Chancellor of Zhao, he together with the Marquis of Jiang and others pacified Dai and Yanmen, capturing the Chancellor of Dai Cheng Zong, acting Chancellor Guo Tong, and nineteen officials from generals down to those of 600-dan rank. He returned and as a general served as guard for the Retired Emperor for one year and seven months. As Right Chancellor he struck Chen Xi and devastated Dongyuan. Again as Right Chancellor he followed Emperor Gao to attack Qing Bu, assaulted his forward defenses, broke through two lines, and thus defeated Qing Bu’s army. His fief was changed to Quzhou with 5,100 households, his previous fief being abolished. In all, he independently routed three armies, compelled the surrender and pacification of six commanderies and seventy-three counties, captured one chancellor, one acting chancellor, and one senior general each, two junior generals, and nineteen officials from 2,000-dan down to 600-dan.

During the reigns of Emperor Hui and Empress Dowager Lü, Li Shang fell ill and could no longer manage affairs. His son Li Ji, courtesy name Kuang, was on good terms with Lü Lu. After Empress Dowager Lü died, the high officials wished to exterminate the Lü clan. Lü Lu was serving as a general, commanding the Northern Army, and Grand Commandant Zhou Bo could not enter the Northern Army. Consequently, he had Li Shang seized and forced his son Kuang to trick Lü Lu. Lü Lu trusted him, so he went out on an excursion with Kuang, and Grand Commandant Bo was then able to enter and take control of the Northern Army. Thereupon they slaughtered the Lü clan.

In that year, Li Shang died and was given the posthumous title Marquis Jing. His son Li Ji inherited the marquisate. The people of the empire condemned Li Ji for betraying a friend. In the third year of the early reign of Emperor Jing, Wu, Chu, Qi, and Zhao rebelled. The emperor appointed Li Ji as general, and he besieged the Zhao capital but could not take it after ten months. With the arrival of Luan Bu, Marquis of Yu, who had just pacified Qi, they finally captured the Zhao capital, destroyed Zhao, and its king committed suicide; the kingdom was abolished. In the second year of the middle reign of Emperor Jing, Li Ji sought to take the Princess Pingyuan as his wife. Emperor Jing was furious and handed Li Ji over to the judicial officials. He was convicted of a crime and stripped of his marquisate.

Emperor Jing then enfeoffed Li Jian, the son of Li Shang (styled Shangta), as Marquis Miao, to continue the lineage of the Li family. When Marquis Miao Jing died, his son Li Sui succeeded him as Marquis Kang. After Li Sui died, his son Li Shizong succeeded him as Marquis Huai. When Li Shizong died, his son Li Zhonggen succeeded him as marquis and served as Grand Minister of Ceremonies. He committed an offense, and his fief was abolished. Xiahou Ying, Marquis of Ruyin, was a native of Pei. He served as the stablemaster and driver in Pei. Every time he returned from escorting envoys or guests, he would pass the Sishang Pavilion in Pei and converse with Gaozu, and their discussions never failed to last the whole day.

Xiahou Ying later was appointed a county clerk on probation and formed a close bond with Gaozu. Once, Gaozu injured Ying while joking, and someone reported Gaozu. Gaozu was then a village head; the penalty for wounding someone was heavy, so he claimed he had not hurt Ying, and Ying testified on his behalf. Later the case was reviewed, and Ying was imprisoned because of Gaozu for over a year, beaten hundreds of times, but finally Gaozu was acquitted through this. When Gaozu first planned to attack Pei with his followers, Ying, as a county clerk, served as Gaozu's envoy. The day Pei surrendered, Gaozu became the Duke of Pei, granted Ying the rank of Seven Grandees, and appointed him Grand Coachman.

During the campaign against Huling, Xiahou Ying and Xiao HeXiao HeHan Dynasty Prime MinisterThe man who managed an empire while Liu Bang won battles — and saved the Shiji by memorizing it before burning palaces could destroy it.View profile → forced the Sishui Supervisor Ping to surrender. Ping then surrendered Huling, and Ying was awarded the noble rank of Wudafu (Fifth-Rank Noble). He followed to attack the Qin army east of Dang County, assaulted Jiyang, captured Huyou, and defeated Li You's army at Yongqiu. For the speed and ferocity of his chariot attacks, he was granted the rank of Zhibo. He often served as Grand Coachman and carriage attendant, accompanying Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → to attack Zhang Han's forces at Dong'e and Puyang, and with chariots swiftly charged and routed them, earning the rank of Zhigui. He again accompanied Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → to attack Zhao Ben's army at Kaifeng and Yang Xiong's army at Quyu. In these campaigns, Ying captured sixty-eight prisoners, received the surrender of eight hundred fifty enemy soldiers, and seized a chest of official seals.

He again repeatedly drove chariots in the service of Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile →, attacking the Qin army east of Luoyang, charging in war chariots with fierce speed. He was given a noble rank and enfeoffed as Lord Teng. He then again drove chariots in the campaign against Nanyang, fought at Lantian and Zhiyang, and with chariot-driven assaults swift and fierce, advanced all the way to Bashang. When Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → arrived and overthrew Qin, he made the Duke of Pei King of Han. The King of Han granted Ying the rank of full marquis with the title Marquis of Zhaoping, and he again served as Grand Coachman, following him into Shu and Hanzhong. Returning to pacify the Three Qins, he then followed him to attack Xiang Ji.

At Pengcheng, Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → dealt a crushing defeat to the Han army. The King of Han, defeated and in a perilous situation, fled swiftly. On the way he encountered the future Emperor Hui (then a young prince) and Princess Luyuan and took them into his carriage. The King of Han was desperate; his horses were exhausted, the enemy was just behind, and he repeatedly kicked the two children out of the carriage, wanting to abandon them. Each time, Xiahou Ying gathered them up and finally managed to keep them in the carriage. He drove slowly until the children were clinging tightly to him and only then raced away. The King of Han was so furious that he tried to behead Ying more than ten times during the escape, but in the end they broke free and delivered the future Emperor Hui and Princess Luyuan safely to Feng. After the King of Han reached Xingyang, he collected scattered soldiers, revived his strength, and granted Ying the fief of Qiyang. Later, Ying again frequently served as charioteer accompanying the campaign against Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →. He pursued him all the way to Chen, eventually pacifying Chu, and then went to Lu, where his fief of Zishi was enlarged.

When the King of Han was enthroned as Emperor, in that autumn, King Zang Tu of Yan rebelled. Ying, serving as Grand Coachman, followed the Emperor to attack Zang Tu. The following year, he accompanied the Emperor to Chen and captured King Xin of Chu. His fief was changed to Ruyin, and a tally was split, allowing his line to hold it in perpetuity. As Grand Coachman, he took part in the campaign against Dai, reaching Wuquan and Yunzhong, and his enfeoffed households were increased by a thousand. Then he joined in attacking the Xiongnu cavalry supporting Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile → near Jinyang, crushing them decisively. He pursued the fleeing enemy north to Pingcheng, where he was surrounded by the Xiongnu and for seven days could not get through. Emperor Gao sent an envoy bearing lavish gifts to the Yanzhi; Maodun then opened a corner of the encirclement. The Emperor, once out, wished to gallop away, but Ying insisted on advancing slowly, keeping crossbows fully drawn and aimed outward, and so they finally escaped.

Xiahou Ying was granted an additional fief of one thousand households in Xiyang. He, in his capacity as Taipu, followed the emperor again to attack the Hu cavalry north of Gouzhu Mountain, routing them. Acting as Taipu, he attacked the Hu cavalry south of Pingcheng, breaking through the enemy lines three times; as his merit was the greatest, he was awarded five hundred households taken from the enemy. Still acting as Taipu, he attacked the armies of Chen Xi and Ying Bu, breaking through enemy ranks and pushing them back, for which his fief was increased by one thousand households, fixed at six thousand nine hundred households in Ruyin, with his previous holdings relinquished. From the time of Gaozu's early uprising in Pei, Xiahou Ying served as Taipu continuously until Gaozu's death.

Attacking Chen Xi, he received orders to separately attack Xi's Prime Minister Hou Chang at Quni, defeating and killing Chang and five generals. He took Quni, Lunu, Shang Quyang, Anguo, and Anping. He took Dongyuan.

Marquis of Yingyin, Guan Ying, was a silk merchant from Suiyang. When Gaozu, then Governor of Pei, was campaigning and reached Yongqiu, Zhang Han defeated and killed Xiang Liang, and the Governor of Pei withdrew his army to Dang. Guan Ying first served as a zhongjuan attendant and followed him, defeating the Commandery Commandant of Dong at Chengwu and the Qin army at Gangli. He fought fiercely and was granted the rank of Seventh Rank Grand Master. Later he followed the Governor of Pei in attacking the Qin armies at Bonan, Kaifeng, and Quyu, fighting with great strength. He was granted the rank of Silk Holder and styled Lord Xuanling.

When Ying Bu rebelled, Guan Ying, as cavalry general, led the advance. He attacked Ying Bu's detached forces at Xiang, defeating them and killing three Loufan deputy generals. He further defeated the forces of Ying Bu's Supreme Pillar of State and Grand Marshal, and again defeated his detached force at Feizhu. Guan Ying personally captured one Left Marshal, and his soldiers killed ten junior generals, pursuing the defeated enemy north to the Huai River area. His fief was increased by 2,500 households. After Ying Bu was defeated, Emperor Gaozu returned and ordered that Guan Ying's fief at Yingyin be set at 5,000 households, replacing his previous grants. In total, Guan Ying captured two thousand-rank officials, separately defeated sixteen armies, accepted the surrender of forty-six cities, pacified one state, two commanderies, and fifty-two counties, and took prisoner two generals, one Pillar of State, one Chancellor, and ten two-thousand-rank officials.

After returning, he besieged Zhang Han at Feiqiu but failed to capture it. Then he went east through Linjin Pass, attacked and forced the King of Yin to surrender, and secured that region. South of Dingtao he engaged the troops of Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →'s general Long Ju and Wei's chancellor Xiang Ta, fought fiercely, and routed them. Guan Ying was granted the rank of full marquis with the title Marquis of Changwen, his fief being Duping Village. Later, as a Palace Attendant, he accompanied the Han army in capturing Dang and reached Pengcheng. Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → then counterattacked and crushed the King of Han. The King of Han fled west; Guan Ying followed him back and stationed troops at Yongqiu.

Wang Wu and Wei Gong Shentu rebelled, and the King of Han followed up and defeated them. He attacked and captured Huang, gathered troops to the west, and encamped at Xingyang. When large numbers of Chu cavalry arrived, the King of Han sought men from the army who could serve as cavalry generals. Everyone recommended the former Qin cavalrymen Li Bi and Luo Jia from Zhongquan, who were experienced with cavalry and currently serving as colonels, saying they could be cavalry generals. When the King of Han wished to appoint them, Li Bi and Luo Jia said, 'We are former Qin subjects and fear that the army will not trust us. We hope to have someone skilled in riding from among Your Majesty's close attendants to support us.' Although Guan Ying was young, he had fought strenuously many times, so the King appointed Guan Ying as Grand Master of the Palace, made Li Bi and Luo Jia left and right colonels, and led the Palace Cavalry to attack the Chu cavalry east of Xingyang, routing them thoroughly.

Receiving the imperial command to separately attack the rear of the Chu army, he cut off their supply route, advancing from Yangwu to Xiangyi. He attacked Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →'s general Xiang Guan at Lu County, defeating him, with his troops beheading one Right Major and one Cavalry General. He defeated Zhegong Wang Wu, encamped west of Yan County; his troops beheaded five Loufan generals and one Lianyin. He attacked Wang Wu's lieutenant Huan Ying at Baima County, defeating him, and his troops beheaded one Commandant. He led cavalry across the Yellow River southward, escorted the King of Han to Luoyang, and was then sent north to Handan to receive Chancellor Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →'s army. Upon returning to Aocang, Guan Ying was promoted to Imperial Secretary.

In the third year, he was enfeoffed as a marquis and granted the fief of Duping Township. As Imperial Secretary, he received an edict to lead the cavalry of the Palace Gentlemen eastward, placing them under the command of Chancellor Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →. He defeated the Qi army at Lixia, and the troops under his command captured the Chariot and Cavalry General Hua Wushang along with forty-six officers. They forced the surrender of Linzi and captured the Qi acting chancellor Tian Guang. They pursued the Qi chancellor Tian Heng to Ying and Bo, routed his cavalry, and his troops killed one cavalry general and captured four alive. They attacked and took Ying and Bo, then defeated the Qi general Tian Xi at Qiancheng, where his troops beheaded him.

The Grand Historian says: I visited Feng and Pei, questioned the elders, observed the homes of Xiao HeXiao HeHan Dynasty Prime MinisterThe man who managed an empire while Liu Bang won battles — and saved the Shiji by memorizing it before burning palaces could destroy it.View profile →, Cao Shen, Fan Kuai, and the Duke of Teng. Considering their origins — how different from what we hear! When they were merely butchering dogs and selling silk, who could have known they would attach themselves to great fortunes, their names recorded in Han's court, their virtue flowing to their descendants? I discussed this with Ta Guang, who explained to me how Emperor Gaozu's generals rose in such times.

Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → dispatched Xiang Sheng, Xue Gong, and Tan Gong to once more pacify the lands north of the Huai River. Guan Ying crossed the Huai northward, defeated Xiang Sheng and Tan Gong at Xiapi, beheaded Xue Gong, captured Xiapi, and smashed the Chu cavalry at Pingyang. He then compelled Pengcheng to surrender, took the pillar-of-state Xiang Tuo prisoner, and forced the garrisons of Liu, Xue, Pei, Zan, Xiao, and Xiang to yield. He assaulted Ku and Qiao, and recaptured the deputy commander Zhou Lan. He joined the King of Han at Yixiang. Following the king, he struck Xiang Ji’s army at Chen and routed it; his troops cut down two Loufan generals and took eight cavalry commanders captive. He was granted an additional fief of 2,500 households.

After Xiang Ji was defeated at Gaixia and fled, Ying, in his capacity as Censor-in-Chief, received an imperial edict to lead chariot and cavalry forces separately to pursue Xiang Ji to Dongcheng, where he defeated him. Five soldiers under Ying's command together beheaded Xiang Ji, and all were awarded the rank of marquis. One Left and one Right Sima surrendered, along with twelve thousand soldiers, and all their officers and troops were captured. Ying then took Dongcheng and Liyang. He crossed the Yangtze River, defeated the Administrator of Wu Commandery beneath the walls of Wu County, and captured the Governor of Wu, thereby pacifying the commanderies of Wu, Yuzhang, and Kuaiji. He returned to pacify the region north of the Huai River, taking fifty-two counties in all. When the King of Han was established as emperor, he granted Ying an additional three thousand households to his fief.

In the autumn of that year, as General of Chariots and Cavalry, he followed the Emperor in attacking and defeating Zang Tu, the King of Yan. The following year, he followed the Emperor to Chen, where they captured Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →, the King of Chu. Upon returning, the tally was divided as a pledge, to be passed down through the generations without interruption, and he was enfeoffed with 2,500 households at Yingyin, receiving the title Marquis of Yingyin. As General of Chariots and Cavalry, he followed the Emperor to attack the rebel King of Hann, Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →, in Dai. Arriving at Mayi, he received an imperial edict to detach his forces and subdue six counties north of Loufan, beheaded the Left Chancellor of Dai, and routed Xiongnu cavalry north of Wuquan. He again followed the Emperor in attacking Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →’s Xiongnu cavalry under the walls of Jinyang, where troops under his command killed one Xiongnu general of the White Titi tribe.

He received an imperial edict to take joint command of the chariot and cavalry forces of Yan, Zhao, Qi, Liang, and Chu, and defeated the Xiongnu cavalry at Shashi. Arriving at Pingcheng, he was surrounded by the Xiongnu, and afterward followed the army back to Dongyuan. When following the attack on Chen Xi, he received an edict to detach his forces and strike the army of Chen Xi’s Chancellor Hou Chang below Quni, routed them, and finally beheaded Hou Chang along with five special commanders. He received the surrender of Quni, Lunu, Shangquyang, Anguo, and Anping. He stormed Dongyuan. When Qing Bu rebelled, Guan Ying, as General of Chariots and Cavalry, was the first to set out, attacking Qing Bu’s detached general at Xiang and defeating him, beheading one vice-general and three Loufan commanders. He then advanced and defeated Qing Bu’s army of the Shangzhuguo and the army of the Grand Marshal. He further advanced and defeated Qing Bu’s detached general Fei Zhu. Ying personally captured alive one Left Marshal.

His troops killed ten of the enemy’s junior commanders, and pursued the routed army as far as the Huai River. His enfeoffment was increased by 2,500 households. After Bu was defeated, Emperor Gaodi returned and decreed that Ying’s estate at Yingyin be fixed at 5,000 households, abolishing his previous enfeoffments. In all, while following the Emperor he captured two officials of the 2,000-shi rank; in separate commands he destroyed sixteen enemy armies, received the surrender of forty-six cities, pacified one kingdom, two commanderies, and fifty-two counties, captured two generals, one Pillar of State and one Chancellor of State, and ten officials of the 2,000-shi rank.

After Guan Ying returned from defeating Qing Bu, Emperor Gaozu passed away. As a marquis, Guan Ying served Emperor Xiaohui and Empress Dowager Lü. After the Empress Dowager died, Lü Lu and others set themselves up as generals under the King of Zhao, stationed their army in Chang'an, and plotted rebellion. When King Ai of Qi heard of this, he raised troops and marched west, intending to enter the capital and execute those who were not meant to be kings. The Supreme General Lü Lu and others, learning of this, dispatched Guan Ying as a grand general to lead troops and attack him. When Guan Ying reached Xingyang, he conspired with the Marquis of Jiang (Zhou Bo) and others. He encamped his forces at Xingyang and secretly informed the King of Qi of the plan to exterminate the Lü clan. The Qi army then halted and did not advance.

After the Marquis of Jiang and the others exterminated the Lü clan, the King of Qi withdrew his troops and returned to his kingdom, and Guan Ying also withdrew his forces from Xingyang and came back. Together with the Marquis of Jiang and Chen Ping, they enthroned the King of Dai as Emperor Xiaowen. Emperor Xiaowen thereupon enfeoffed Guan Ying with an additional three thousand households, bestowed upon him one thousand jin of gold, and appointed him Grand Commandant. Three years later, the Marquis of Jiang, Zhou Bo, was dismissed as Chancellor and retired to his fief. Guan Ying became Chancellor, and the post of Grand Commandant was abolished. In that year, the Xiongnu launched a massive invasion of Beidi and Shangjun. The emperor ordered Chancellor Guan Ying to lead eighty-five thousand cavalry to attack the Xiongnu. After the Xiongnu withdrew, the King of Jibei rebelled, and an imperial edict recalled Guan Ying's forces. Over a year later, Guan Ying died while serving as Chancellor and was posthumously given the title Marquis Yi.

His son, Marquis Ping, A, inherited the marquisate. After twenty-eight years he died, and his son Qiang inherited the title. Thirteen years later, Qiang committed an offense, and the title was discontinued for two years. In the third year of the Yuanguang era, the Son of Heaven enfeoffed Guan Ying's grandson, Guan Xian, as Marquis of Linru, to continue Guan Ying's line of descent. After eight years, Guan Xian was convicted of accepting bribes, and his estate was abolished. The Grand Historian remarks: When I travelled to Feng and Pei, I inquired of the surviving elders, viewed the former residences of Xiao HeXiao HeHan Dynasty Prime MinisterThe man who managed an empire while Liu Bang won battles — and saved the Shiji by memorizing it before burning palaces could destroy it.View profile →, Cao Shen, Fan Kuai, and Lord Teng, and learned of their ordinary ways and conduct—how utterly different it was from what I had heard!

When they were wielding knives and butchering dogs and peddling silk, how could they have known that they would cling to the tails of fine steeds, have their names resound in the Han court, and let their virtue flow down to their descendants? I was in touch with Taguang, who related that the rise of Emperor Gaozu's meritorious officials was like this. The influence of sages and worthies—clouds surge and dragons transform. Butchers of dogs and peddlers of silk attacked cities and fought on the battlefield. Upholding righteousness, they went west and were enfeoffed facing south. Li Kuang betrayed a friendship; the Marquis of Wuyang provided support from within. Lord Teng and Guan Ying succeeded to royal ranks, and their lineages multiplied and flourished through the ages.