Liu Zhiyuan: From Jin Hengchong Bimashi to Founder of the Later Han

Brief Introduction

Liu Zhiyuan (895–948), courtesy name Jiawei, originally from Taiyuan, Shanxi, was the founder of the Later Han during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, with the temple name Gaozu. Before establishing the Later Han, he was a core general of the Later Jin dynasty, holding military positions such as Jin Hengchong Bimashi. Living through the most frequent succession of dynasties in the Five Dynasties era, he witnessed the fall of Later Jin and the rise of Later Han, making him a key figure bridging the historical periods. His life trajectory profoundly reflects the political ecology of the Five Dynasties period where "might makes right."

Core Knowledge Points

1. Military Background and Rise: Liu Zhiyuan initially joined Li Keyong and later served the Later Jin. He achieved repeated military successes, rising from the grassroots rank of Jin Hengchong Bimashi to become the Military Commissioner of Taiyuan. He controlled actual power in the Hedong region, becoming one of the most powerful regional warlords at the time.
2. Opportunity for Regime Change: In 947 AD, the Khitan (Liao) destroyed Later Jin, plunging the Central Plains into chaos. The Khitan ruler Yelü Deguang was forced to retreat north due to instability in the rear, leaving Luoyang vacant. Liu Zhiyuan seized the opportunity to declare himself emperor in Taiyuan, then led his army into Luoyang to establish the Later Han, ending the Khitan's brief rule over the Central Plains.
3. Short Reign: The Later Han dynasty lasted an extremely short time. Liu Zhiyuan died of illness soon after declaring himself emperor. His son, Liu Chengyou, succeeded him, followed by Guo Wei usurping power to establish the Later Zhou. The Later Han quickly perished, becoming one of the shortest-lived dynasties in the Five Dynasties period.

Connection with Zizhi Tongjian

In Zizhi Tongjian, compiled by Sima Guang, Liu Zhiyuan's life is mainly recorded in the section covering the 3rd Year of Kaiyun under Later Jin Chudi to the 12th Year of Tianfu under Later Han Gaozu (946–948 AD).

Restoration of Historical Context: Zizhi Tongjian* details the chain reactions triggered after Later Jin's Shi Jingtang ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. As a Later Jin general, Liu Zhiyuan is depicted as a pragmatist during the Khitan invasion and the collapse of the Jin imperial family. The book records how he accumulated prestige using military titles like "Hengchong Bimashi" and preserved his strength amidst chaos.
* Narrative of Legitimacy: Sima Guang uses Liu Zhiyuan's actions to showcase the cruel logic of regime change during the Five Dynasties period. The book records that Liu Zhiyuan observed the situation before declaring himself emperor, acting only after the Khitan retreated and Luoyang was empty, demonstrating his political strategy and cautious character.
Historical Value: The record of Liu Zhiyuan's founding of the state in Zizhi Tongjian* is an important basis for studying political changes in the Five Dynasties. It reveals the historical laws of warlord fragmentation and rapid regime succession, providing detailed sources for understanding the turmoil of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

Conclusion

Liu Zhiyuan's life is a typical portrayal of a warlord in the chaos of the Five Dynasties. From Jin Hengchong Bimashi to founding emperor, his rise aligns closely with the logic of regime change recorded in Zizhi Tongjian. Understanding Liu Zhiyuan helps us gain deeper insight into the complex political ecology and military landscape of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, as well as the internal mechanisms of power transfer in turbulent times.