Emperor Hui of Han (210 BC - September 26, 188 BC), real name Liu Ying, was the second emperor of the Han dynasty in Chinese history. He was the second son of Emperor Gaozu of Han Liu Bang, and his mother was Empress Lu.
In Sima Qian's "Historical Records", the story of Emperor Hui of Han is grouped with Empress Lu in "Empress Lu's Biography". The reason is that during his reign, he had a close relationship with his biological mother.
Almost abandoned by father twice
According to "Historical Records", when Emperor Hui of Han rose up against the Qin Dynasty in 209 BC, Liu Ying was only 1 year old. In 205 BC, after the Battle of Pengcheng, 560,000 Han troops were defeated by the Western Chu army led by Xiang Yu. Liu Bang lost the battle and fled, his family was lost.
On the way to find their father, Liu Ying and her sister were lucky to meet Liu Bang. His trusted subordinate Xiahou Ying took them to sit in the carriage with their master.
The Chu army chased closely behind. Liu Bang was afraid that the carriage was too heavy and that he would not be able to escape if he went too slow, so he pushed both of his children down. Seeing this, Ha Hau Anh quickly jumped down and helped the two sisters get back into the carriage and continued.
"Historical Records" recorded that Liu Ying and her sisters were pushed down by their father three times. Xiahou Ying patiently stopped the horse and pulled them onto the carriage, begging Liu Bang not to abandon his children. In the end, all three father and sons escaped.
It was the first time that Han Gaozu Liu Bang wanted to abandon Liu Ying and her sisters.
When Liu Ying was 8 years old, Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu and became Emperor. Liu Ying was the son of Empress Lu so he was named Crown Prince.
Soon after, Liu Bang favored Shi Ji and made her his wife. Her son Liu Ruyi was noticed by the Emperor, who thought he looked like him and wanted to make him Crown Prince to replace Liu Ying.
The emperor intended to summon his ministers to discuss the matter of deposing the crown prince. Liu Ying was about to be abandoned by his biological father again, if it weren't for Empress Lu stopping him in time.
According to "Historical Records", when Empress Lu heard that the Emperor wanted to depose her son, she quickly sent someone to meet Zhang Liang - a famous founding minister of the Han Dynasty.
Thanks to Zhang Liang's help, Liu Ying was able to invite the four wise men of Shangshan, whom even Liu Bang himself had been unable to invite, to come under his command.
In 195 BC, Liu Bang was seriously ill and wanted to replace the Crown Prince. Zhang Liang advised him, but Liu Bang did not listen. When it was time for the banquet, Crown Prince Liu Ying poured wine and stood in attendance, leading four wise men.
Liu Bang questioned him and saw that all four had been subdued by Liu Ying. Han Gaozu understood that Liu Ying had his own followers and that Empress Lu was behind him, so he could not be deposed. He gave up his original intention and appointed Ru Yi as King of Zhao.
Living in depression under the shadow of an evil biological mother
In June 195 BC, Emperor Gaozu of Han passed away. Liu Ying ascended the throne at the age of 16, known as Emperor Hui of Han. Empress Lu became the Empress Dowager and also participated in the affairs of the court.
"Historical Records" recorded that Emperor Hui of Han had a gentle and harmonious temperament, and used Taoist methods to rule the world. During his reign, he implemented a policy of reducing taxes, promoted Cao Tham to the position of Prime Minister, and gradually stabilized society.
However, Emperor Hui was weak due to poor health and was controlled by Empress Dowager Lu, with no real power. All matters of government were decided by Empress Dowager Lu.
Empress Dowager Lu forced Emperor Hui to marry her niece Zhang Yan, the daughter of Princess Yuan of Lu, who was still very young. In addition, she also resented Lady Shi and Prince Zhao Liu Ruyi, and sought to kill both of them.
Emperor Hui of Han tried many times to save his younger brother but was helpless. After Ru Yi was poisoned to death, Empress Dowager Lu tortured Lady Shi by cutting off her limbs, gouging out her eyes, burning her ears, giving her mute medicine, locking her in the toilet and calling her a pig-man, then called Emperor Hui to come and see.
Seeing his mother's cruelty, Emperor Han Hui broke down and cried loudly, but there was no way to stop her. He threw himself into drinking, debauchery and fell seriously ill.
In September 188 BC, Emperor Hui passed away at the age of 22. According to the "Historical Records", Empress Dowager Lu cried but did not shed any tears. She ordered the murder of a concubine who had just given birth to Emperor Hui's child, Mu Thi, then pretended to be the Empress who had just given birth, and established herself as the new emperor, calling herself Han Qian Shao Di.
The unfortunate life of a new Han emperor begins again...
Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/hoang-de-nha-han-bat-hanh-2-lan-suyt-bi-cha-ruot-bo-roi-1368952.ldo
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