Han Xin (韩信, Hàn Tín; d. 196 BC; King of Han 韩王信), was a royal aristocrat of the State of Han during the late Warring States and Chu-Han Contention, grandson of King Xiang of Han (King Xiang of Han) and distinct from the famous Grand General Han Xin (Marquis of Huaiyin).
Allied with Liu Bang (Liu Bang) during the rebellion against Qin, he was ennobled as King of Han in 205 BC, governing Yingchuan. In 201 BC, Emperor Gaozu transferred his kingdom to the dangerous northern frontier at Mayi (modern Shanxi) to repel Xiongnu cavalry. Besieged by Modu Chanyu’s overwhelming nomadic host in 200 BC, Han Xin repeatedly dispatched envoys seeking peace treaties with the Xiongnu. Suspected of treason by Liu Bang, Han Xin defected to the Xiongnu in panic, guiding Xiongnu cavalry across the border and fighting Han forces until he was slain in battle in 196 BC by Han general Chai Wu.
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 93, Biography of King of Han Xin): “Han Xin was transferred to Mayi; surrounded by Modu, he sought peace and was suspected by the Emperor. In terror, he surrendered to the Xiongnu, leading barbarian horsemen against the frontiers of Han.”
Han Xin (King of Han) — Historical & Literary Timeline
Qin Dynasty
Royal Scion of Han
Grandson of King Xiang of Han.
205 BC
King of Han
Ennobled as King of Han by Liu Bang in Yingchuan.
201 BC
Transfer to Mayi
Relocated to the northern frontier at Mayi to guard against the Xiongnu.
200 BC
Siege & Defection to Xiongnu
Besieged by Modu Chanyu; defects to the Xiongnu to escape treason charges.
196 BC
Death in Battle
Slain in battle by Han general Chai Wu while raiding the northern borders.
Key Relationships
Family
- Grandfather King Xiang of Han (韩襄王): Monarch of the Warring States State of Han.
- Descendant Han Tuozhou (韩侂胄): Southern Song chancellor descended from his lineage.
Friends
- Nomadic Ally Modu Chanyu (冒顿单于): Xiongnu ruler to whom he surrendered at Mayi.
Enemies
- Han Emperor Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu): Former master who suspected his loyalty.
- Han Commander & Slayer Chai Wu (柴武): Han general who killed him in battle.
Other
- Famous Namesake Han Xin (Marquis of Huaiyin): Supreme general of Han often confused with him in popular memory.
In Shiji
"Trapped between the iron cavalry of the steppes and the suspicious blades of Chang'an, King Han Xin chose the barbarian tent."
Historical Context
His defection at Mayi led directly to the Battle of Baideng in 200 BC, where Liu Bang was encircled by Modu Chanyu and forced to adopt the marriage alliance (*heqin*) policy.
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