X-Nico

10 unusual facts about Liu Ruyi


Emperor Gaozu of Han

He felt that Liu Ying, his heir apparent who was born to the empress, was too weak to be a ruler, so he had the intention of deposing Liu Ying and replacing him with another son, Liu Ruyi, who born to Concubine Qi.

Emperor Hui of Han

Rather, he favored his young son Liu Ruyi, whom he considered to be more like him and whose mother, Consort Qi, was his favorite concubine.

She then summoned Liu Ruyi to the capital—an attempt that was initially resisted by Ruyi's chief of staff Zhou Chang (周昌), whom she respected because he was one of the officials who insisted on Liu Ying being the rightful heir.

He tried to protect Ruyi, Prince Yin of Zhao, his younger half-brother, from being murdered by Empress Dowager Lü, but failed.

Empress Lü Zhi

One exception was Concubine Qi, whom Lü Zhi greatly resented because of the dispute over the succession between Liu Ruyi (Qi's son) and Liu Ying.

In his late years, Emperor Gaozu started favouring one of his younger consorts, Concubine Qi, who bore him a son Liu Ruyi, who was instated as Prince of Zhao in 198 BC, displacing Lü Zhi's son-in-law Zhang Ao (張敖; Princess Yuan of Lu's husband).

Kingdom of Zhao

Ruyi, Prince Yin of Zhao, a young son of Liu Bang (Emperor Gao of Han) and a favored concubine, Consort Qi, was made Prince Yin of Zhao under this emperor at around 198 BC.

Prince of Dai

Liu Ruyi, (200 BC – 198 BC) fourth son of Emperor Gao of Han.

Prince of Zhao

Liu Ruyi, (198 BC – 194 BC) fourth son of Emperor Gaozu of Han, killed by Empress Dowager Lü.

Ruyi

Liu Ruyi (208 BC – 195 BC), prince of the Chinese Han Dynasty