| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 刘如意, 劉如意, Liú Rúyì |
| Other name | Lưu Như Ý |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | 208 BC |
| Birth Place | Chang'an, Western Han (西汉长安; Trường An, Tây Hán) |
| Died | 194 BC |
| Death Reason | Poisoned by Empress Lü |
| FAMILY | |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Western Han Dynasty |
Liu Ruyi (刘如意, Lưu Như Ý; 208–194 BC; posthumously Prince Yin of Zhao 赵隐王), was the beloved third son of Western Han founding Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang and his favored concubine Consort Qi (Thích phu nhân).
Possessing sharp intelligence and handsome vigor, Liu Bang adored him, frequently remarking: ‘Ruyi is like me!’, while disliking the gentle, bookish temperament of his eldest son Crown Prince Liu Ying (Liu Ying). Persuaded by Consort Qi’s tearful entreaties, Liu Bang repeatedly attempted to depose Liu Ying and name Liu Ruyi crown prince, only to be blocked by Empress Lü (Empress Lü) and the Four White-Haired Sages of Mount Shang (商山四皓) secured by strategist Zhang Liang. Ennobling Liu Ruyi as Prince of Zhao in 198 BC, Liu Bang assigned the stern, incorruptible minister Zhou Chang as chancellor of Zhao to shield the young prince from Empress Lü’s wrath.
In 195 BC, upon Liu Bang’s death, Empress Lü immediately summoned Liu Ruyi to Chang’an to murder him. The gentle, newly crowned Emperor Hui (Liu Ying) rode out of the city personally, met his younger brother on the road, brought Liu Ruyi into his own bedchamber, and ate, slept, and rode with him day and night to protect his life. Tragically, one winter morning in December 194 BC, Emperor Hui rose before dawn to go hunting; while the twelve-year-old Liu Ruyi was still sleeping alone in the bedchamber, Empress Lü’s assassins entered and poured a cup of lethal poison down his throat. His murder was followed by the horrific mutilation of his mother Consort Qi into a ‘human swine’, shattering Emperor Hui’s mental health.
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 9, Annals of Empress Lü): “Emperor Hui loved Ruyi; they shared one bed and one table. One morning at dawn, Emperor Hui rode out to shoot game; Empress Lü heard Ruyi was alone, and sent her assassins with poisoned wine. When Emperor Hui returned, the Prince of Zhao was already dead.”
Liu Ruyi — Historical & Literary Timeline
208 BC
Birth in Han
Son of Liu Bang and Consort Qi; favorite prince of Emperor Gaozu.
198 BC
Prince of Zhao
Ennobled as Prince of Zhao; protected by Chancellor Zhou Chang.
195 BC
Threat of Empress Lü
Liu Bang dies; Empress Lü summons Ruyi to Chang’an to execute him.
194 BC
Shielded by Emperor Hui
Emperor Hui shares his bedchamber and meals to protect his brother.
194 BC
Poisoned in Bed
Poisoned on Empress Lü’s orders while Emperor Hui is hunting at dawn.
Key Relationships
Family
- Mother Consort Qi (戚夫人, Thích phu nhân): Beloved concubine of Liu Bang, mutilated into a ‘human swine’ by Empress Lü.
- Father Liu Bang (刘邦, Lưu Bang – Emperor Gaozu): Father who sought to make him crown prince.
- Protector Brother Liu Ying (Emperor Hui of Han): Elder brother who risked his life trying to shield Liu Ruyi.
- Brothers Liu Heng, Liu Chang: Imperial brothers who survived the purges.
Friends
- Loyal Chancellor Zhou Chang (周昌): Stood firm in Handan, blocking Empress Lü’s summons until arrested.
Enemies
- Ruthless Murderer Empress Lü (吕后, Lữ hậu): Ordered his poisoning and the destruction of his mother.
Other
- Imperial Scribes Annals of Zhao: Recorded his tragic death at age twelve.
In Shiji
The Tragedy of the Sleeping Prince
"Emperor Hui rode back in haste through the winter snow, but the chamber was silent; Ruyi lay pale upon the silk, his innocent soul departed to the heavens."
Historical Context
Liu Ruyi's murder was the tragic opening move of Empress Lü's bloody purges of Liu Bang's sons, an atrocity that haunted early Han dynastic politics.
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