Liu Bang, the King of Han: The Starting Point of Rise and Historical Turning Point Recorded in "Records of the Grand Historian"

Brief Introduction

"Han King" was the first formal royal title obtained by Han Gaozu Liu Bang after the fall of the Qin Dynasty. In 206 BC, Xiang Yu dominated the partitioning of eighteen vassal lords. Although Liu Bang was the first to enter the Guanzhong region, he was not enfeoffed as the King of Guanzhong. Instead, he was relocated to the remote Hanzhong region and titled the King of Han. This title was not only a critical turning point in Liu Bang's political career but also the source of the state name for the Han Dynasty, which lasted for over four hundred years.

Core Knowledge Points

* Background of Partitioning: After the fall of the Qin Dynasty, Xiang Yu presided over the partitioning based on his military advantage. Liu Bang deserved to rule Guanzhong for his merit of "entering the pass first," but Xiang Yu, fearing his growing power, enfeoffed him in Ba, Shu, and Hanzhong, and stationed the Three Qins kings to monitor him.
* Territory: The King of Han's jurisdiction mainly included the Hanzhong Commandery, Ba Commandery, Shu Commandery, and parts of the Qianzhong Commandery. Although geographically remote, the region possessed sufficient grain supplies and potential for military recruitment.
* Strategic Significance: After accepting the title of King of Han, Liu Bang adopted Zhang Liang's advice to burn the plank roads to demonstrate no intention of returning east. In reality, this was a strategy to rest and gather strength. This approach of endurance laid the foundation for the later strategy of "Repairing the plank roads openly, while secretly crossing at Chencang," serving as the prelude to the Chu-Han Contention.

Connection with "Records of the Grand Historian"

In Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji), the term "Han King" appears frequently, marking a fundamental shift in Liu Bang's identity.

1. Document Records: The "Basic Annals of Gaozu" in the "Records of the Grand Historian" explicitly records: "King Xiang then established Pei Gong as the King of Han, ruling over Ba, Shu, and Hanzhong, with his capital at Nanzheng." This text details Liu Bang's transition from "Pei Gong" to "Han King," as well as his forced abandonment of Guanzhong and move south to Ba and Shu.
2. Narrative Perspective: Sima Qian highlights the wisdom of endurance during the "Han King" period by contrasting Xiang Yu's stubbornness with Liu Bang's flexibility. For example, after the Feast at Hong Gate, Liu Bang retreated to Hanzhong. The "Records of the Grand Historian" records that he "burned and severed the plank roads." This detail is depicted in the "Shiji" as a key strategy for Liu Bang to confuse Xiang Yu and accumulate strength.
3. Historical Context: The "Records of the Grand Historian" treats "Han King" as the core node connecting the chaotic end of the Qin Dynasty with the establishment of the Han Dynasty. From the Han King raising troops to retake the Three Qins, to defeating Xiang Yu at the Battle of Gaixia, and finally proclaiming himself Emperor, every step of Liu Bang's expansion began from the political foundation of the "Han King."

Summary

"Han King" was not merely a title, but a symbol of the transformation of Liu Bang's group from a bandit-like armed force into a regular regime. Through detailed records, the "Records of the Grand Historian" restores the political gaming and military strategy behind this title, providing a key historical perspective for our understanding of the establishment of the Han Dynasty.