Liu Chang (刘长, Lưu Trường; 198–174 BC; Prince Li of Huainan 淮南厉王), was the turbulent, ferocious seventh son of founding Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, raised in the imperial palace by Empress Lü (Empress Lü).
Possessing titanic physical strength capable of lifting bronze cauldrons with his bare hands, Liu Chang was favored and indulged by his elder brother Emperor Wen (Liu Heng). Harboring bitter fury over his birth mother Consort Zhao’s suicide, Liu Chang assassinated senior minister Shen Yiji (审食其) in broad daylight with a concealed bronze hammer. Increasingly arrogant, he enacted his own laws in Huainan and plotted a massive rebellion with the Minyue tribes against Emperor Wen in 174 BC. Uncovered before the revolt began, Emperor Wen spared his life out of fraternal love, exiling him in a barred carriage to Sichuan. In fierce, unyielding pride, Liu Chang refused all food and starved himself to death on the road at age twenty-four.
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 118, House of Huainan): “Liu Chang killed Shen Yiji with an iron hammer in the streets, yet Emperor Wen forgave him. When his rebellion failed, he kicked the barred cage, roaring: ‘A prince does not eat prisoner’s gruel!’ He starved to death, and the people sang a folk lament: ‘One shoe of cloth can be sewn; two brothers cannot share one world.'”
Liu Chang — Historical & Literary Timeline
198 BC
Birth in Han
Son of Liu Bang and Consort Zhao; raised by Empress Lü after his mother’s tragic suicide.
196 BC
Prince of Huainan
Ennobled as Prince of Huainan at age two.
177 BC
The Bronze Hammer Assassination
Murders Shen Yiji with a bronze hammer to avenge his mother.
174 BC
The Huainan Conspiracy
Plots rebellion; arrested, exiled to Sichuan, and starves himself to death in his cage.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Liu Bang (刘邦, Lưu Bang – Emperor Gaozu): Founding emperor.
- Adoptive Mother Empress Lü (吕后): Protected and raised Liu Chang in the inner palace.
- Brother Liu Heng (Emperor Wen of Han): Merciful emperor who wept at his death.
- Son Liu An (刘安 – Prince of Huainan): Famed patron who compiled the *Huainanzi*.
Friends
- Huainan Retainers Conspirators of Shouchun: Supported his independent court.
Enemies
- Assassinated Minister Shen Yiji (审食其, Thẩm Thực Kỳ): Marquis of Piyang, slain with a hammer by Liu Chang.
- Imperial Censors Ministers who demanded his execution: Opposed Emperor Wen’s leniency.
Other
- Folk Balladeers Singers of the Han Empire: Penned the immortal lament of the two royal brothers.
In Shiji
The Ballad of Huainan
"A foot of cloth can be sewn to keep warm; a peck of grain can be pounded into meal; yet two imperial brothers could not endure each other under the wide sky."
Historical Context
Liu Chang's tragic life and death directly inspired the early Han debate on feudal princely autonomy that culminated in the Rebellion of the Seven States.
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