萧何
Han Dynasty Prime Minister
The man who managed an empire while Liu Bang won battles — and saved the Shiji by memorizing it before burning palaces could destroy it.
Xiao He served as Liu Bang's chief administrator throughout the wars against Xiang Yu. While Liu Bang fought battles and Han Xin won campaigns, Xiao He held the rear together—collecting taxes, enrolling soldiers, and maintaining supplies. When Liu Bang conquered Xianyang, others looted, but Xiao He secured official documents. Those records became the foundation of Han governance. He is also famed for chasing Han Xin through the night and persuading him to stay, then presenting him to Liu Bang. As Prime Minister, he reformed laws, established Chang'an as capital, and built the institutions of the new empire. When Liu Bang wanted a grand palace, Xiao He urged modest governance: 'A capital without law is a palace without walls.'