The native of Pei country in Chu, Liu Bang was a prominent military leader and political figure in ancient China.. He was born in a peasant family and subsequently became a competent ruler. Liu Bang overthrew the tyrannical Qin Dynasty, eradicated Xiang Chu, and suppressed many others to build an autocratic China. He recovered the economy of the country and returned the stability.
Background
Liu Bang was born on 256 BC in Pei country in Chu. He was a third child in a peasant family.He had a cheerful character and great ambition with little interest in farming.
When he was young, he liked making friends and drinking wine.
When he grew older, he was appointed a patrol officer in charge of security and roads in the area.
He made many good friends, like Xiao He and Cao Shen, who later became invaluable assistants in his quest for the empire.
Career
One day, a respectable man known as Lu Gong came to Pei country. He was visited by all the officials in town. It was announced that those, who couldn’t present more than 1000 coins, were not allowed to talk to Lu Gong. Liu Bang was only a petty official with low pay then and he didn’t have any money with him. But he pledged to give 10000 coins. Subsequently, he was given a seat at the distinguished guests’ table. Liu Bang made a good impression on Lu Gong. And Lu Gong offered his daughter Lu Zhi’s hand in marriage to him.
As a patrol officer, Liu Bang often escorted criminals to the capital, Xianyang. When he saw the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, he understood, that he want to by wealthy
As Emperor Qin Shi Huang was a tyrannical ruler, life was harsh under his rule. Liu Gang joined other people, who raised against him, with a force of 900 men. Liu Bang took over the country, killed the magistrate and joined Chen Sheng in his revolt against the Qin Dynasty. However, Chen Sheng was defeated.
Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu crossed the Yangtze River from Hedong and entered Shandong. Liu Gang went to join Xiang Liang and became his sworn brother.
In the eighth month of 208 BC, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu decided to launch attacks on Qin from different directions. Liu Bang attacked Qin from the west, while Xiang Yu went to the north to rescue Zhao. The leaders agreed that whoever reached Guanzhong first would be the “King of Guanzhong”.
Xiang Yu lost the support of the people. Liu Bang, on the other side, recruited surrendered soldiers along the way and appeased the people.While Xiang Yu was battling the Qin army in the north, Liu Bang charged into Xianyang. King Ziyin og Qin surrendered to Liu Bang, and Qin reign ended.