Preface
In the history of the Western Han Dynasty, the incident of Han Xin being executed by Empress Lu can be described as an embarrassing past. As a highly decorated general in the early Han Dynasty, Han Xin was praised for his intelligence and bravery, but his life was tormented by political struggles and eventually suffered a tragic end.
When Han Xin was about to be executed, the cruel words he left behind not only made Liu Bang fearful at that time, but also triggered endless conjectures and discussions in later generations. What is this shocking last words? Why does it make Liu Bang feel so chilled down his spine? Today, we will tell such a legendary story.
1. Serendipity
In 196 BC, in the eleventh year of Emperor Gao of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang had just put down Chen Xuan's rebellion and returned triumphantly. In Luoyang City, jubilant crowds crowded on both sides of the streets, waiting for the arrival of heroes.
I saw Liu Bang dressed in a battle robe, riding a sturdy war horse, and asked Empress Lu and Prime Minister Xiao He with a happy face: "Where is Han Xin? Let him come to see me, I want him to see what a beautiful battle I fought this time!"
Lu Hou's expression was solemn, and he slowly spoke: "Your Majesty, Han Xin has colluded with the criminal minister Chen Feng to rebel, and was executed by me and Xiao Xiangguo, and his three clans have also been wiped out by us. "
The words were thunderous, and Liu Bang's smile gradually solidified on his face. Han Xin, this name was like a hammer, slamming into his heart. Liu Bang was silent for a long time before he slowly spoke: "Empress, do you know what Han Xin said before he died?"
Empress Lu replied respectfully: "The traitor Han Xin said: 'I regret not using Kuaiche's plan, but being deceived by my sons and daughters, isn't it heavenly!'" Who is Kuaitong?" Liu Bang repeated the unfamiliar name suspiciously, and suddenly, he suddenly came to his senses: "Ah, I remember, he seems to be Han Xin's advisor, and then he went crazy for some reason." "
Second, the ambition of Qingyun
As we all know, Han Xin came from a humble background and was originally a down-and-out scholar. At the end of the Qin Dynasty, he first took refuge in Xiang Yu and became his staff officer. However, Xiang Yu was arrogant and arrogant and never took Han Xin's advice. Seeing this, Han Xin turned to follow Liu Bang, hoping to get ahead under him.
However, even after joining the Han army, Han Xin was still unknown and could only be a small official who managed the warehouse. Just as he was about to be executed, the scales of fate finally tipped in his favor. At that time, Xiahou Ying, who was in charge of the beheading, was impressed by Han Xin's bearing and talent, so he pardoned him for his capital crime.
After Xiao He learned of this, he immediately summoned Han Xin, and the two hit it off at first sight, and Xiao He praised Han Xin's talent. So, he did not hesitate to recommend Han Xin to Liu Bang, and after some consideration, Liu Bang finally worshiped Han Xin as a general.
In this way, a person who could only be a small official soared overnight and became the commander of the Han army. All this stems from Han Xin's persistent pursuit of ideals, as well as Xiao He and Xiahou Ying's great attention to talents.
3. Brilliant scheming
With his extraordinary resourcefulness, Han Xin won victory after victory for Liu Bang. When attacking Guanzhong, he used the subtle strategy of "repairing the plank road in the open and Chen Cang in the dark", and conquered the defense line of the "Three Qin Kings" in only one month. Subsequently, he commanded the Han army out of the customs and quickly pacified Wei, Henan, Yin and other countries.
The most critical battle was the Battle of Pengcheng. Under Han Xin's planning, the Han army attacked the empty Pengcheng and captured Xiang Yu's capital in one fell swoop. But at this moment, Liu Bang got carried away and immersed himself in the wine pond meat forest all day long, and was suddenly attacked by Xiang Yu's elite, and the army was defeated.
At the moment of crisis, Han Xin stepped forward and broke Chu Qi in the Battle of Jingsuo and regained his position. After that, he put forward a grand plan: to lead 30,000 elite soldiers, first destroy the Wei State, then pacify Zhao, Dai, and Yan to the north, and finally conquer the Qi State to the east to cut off the back road of the Chu army.
Fourth, wisdom and re-application
Although the task is arduous, Han Shin still keeps going. He successively captured the three kingdoms of Wei, Zhao, and Dai, and finally defeated the 200,000 Zhao army with 30,000 troops in the Battle of Jingcheng. Once the Zhao state fell, the neighboring dai states also returned to obedience.
Just as Han Xin was about to march into the Yan Kingdom, Liu Bang suddenly took away the talisman from his hand, transferred him from the original army, and ordered him to attack the Qi State. This decision was undoubtedly made out of fear of Han Xin's growing strength.
In the face of such a change, Han Xin was not discouraged. He led a newly formed army and soon conquered the seventy-two cities of Qi. At this time, his advisor Kuaitong offered a plan to persuade him to betray Liu Bang and establish himself as king between Chu and Han.
5. Make a choice in life
Faced with Kuaitong's temptation, Han Xin fell into deep contemplation. He knew that he was already a strong contender for the position of emperor, and he only had to reach it. However, he didn't do it after all, because he had too much gratitude to Liu Bang.
"The king of Han has given me clothes, food, and the position of general, how can I betray him?" Han Xin said to Kuaitong. This sentence shows his loyalty to Liu Bang. Despite Kuaitong's repeated persuasions, Han Xin always insisted on his decision.
In the end, Kuaitong was disappointed and fled from Han Shin's camp by pretending to be crazy and stupid. Han Xin, on the other hand, continued to follow Liu Bang and won him the final victory in the Battle of Qixia.
Sixth, a crisis of confidence
However, just as the Han army was celebrating the victory, Liu Bang once again took away the army in Han Xin's hands. The decision deepened the rift between the two. Without an army, Han Xin could only be slaughtered by others, and was finally named the king of Chu by Liu Bang.
As a generation of famous generals, Han Xin's military talent naturally made Liu Bang jealous. At Chen Ping's suggestion, Liu Bang finally decided to "fake Yunmeng" and captured Han Xin. Although the left and right Wenwu unanimously advocated the execution of Han Xin, Liu Bang did not do so, but renamed him the Marquis of Huaiyin.
For Han Shin, this marquis was a disgrace. He used to be the king of Chu, but now he has to be in the same column as his old subordinates, which is unacceptable to him. So, he excused himself to be ill and no longer went to court.
7. Regret for life
Despite this, Liu Bang still understands Han Xin's mood very well. Sometimes, he would even summon Han Shin to reminisce with him about his past achievements and brag about his military prowess. At these times, the two are like old friends who talk about everything, and they have no problems with each other.
However, this friendship eventually came to an end. At that time, the Han Dynasty was in a crisis of succession, and Empress Lü sought to win over ministers everywhere in order to keep the position of crown prince. But Han Xin became a thorn in her side.
Taking advantage of Liu Bang's expedition, Empress Lu framed Han Xin for rebellion and sentenced him to death. In this way, the life of a generation of famous generals came to an abrupt end, which made people sigh.
epilogue
Han Xin's life can be described as ups and downs for several lifetimes, but in the end, he could not escape death. If Han Xin still has any regrets, it is that he did not adopt Kuaitong's strategy and set himself up as king between Chu and Han.
Perhaps, then he will be able to avoid being framed by Empress Lu and realize his imperial dream. However, this is also his destiny - he would rather be loyal than betray his benefactor.
Liu Bang finally released Kuaitong, which may have been his last apology to Han Xin. After all, Han Xin won him the throne, but he failed to save the hero's life. Life is like chess, and every move will affect the final outcome, and Han Shin's story is a vivid footnote.