Li Ban facts for kids

Li Ban (288–334) was a very short-reigning emperor of an ancient Chinese dynasty called Cheng-Han. He ruled for only a few months in 334. His courtesy name was Shiwen. After his death, he was given the special title "Emperor Ai of Cheng (Han)".

Early Life and Family

Li Ban was the nephew of Li Xiong, who founded the Cheng-Han dynasty. Li Ban's father, Li Dang, was Li Xiong's older brother. Sadly, Li Dang died in a battle in 303 when Li Ban was still young.

After his father's death, Li Ban was raised by Emperor Li Xiong and his wife, Empress Ren. Even though Li Ban's own mother, Lady Luo, was still alive, Empress Ren treated him like her own son.

Becoming Crown Prince

Emperor Li Xiong had many sons of his own. However, Empress Ren did not have any children. Li Xiong decided he wanted one of his brother Li Dang's sons to become the next emperor.

He first thought about Li Han, Li Ban's older brother. But Li Han died in battle in 323. So, in 324, Li Xiong chose Li Ban to be his crown prince. A crown prince is the person who is next in line to become emperor.

Li Xiong believed that his dynasty was built by his father, Li Te, and his brother, Li Dang. He felt it was right for Li Dang's son to take the throne. Li Xiong also admired Li Ban very much. He saw Li Ban as a kind and hardworking person who loved to study.

Some of Li Xiong's advisors, like Li Xiang and Wang Da, worried about this choice. They thought it might cause problems with succession later. But Li Xiong did not listen to their concerns.

Short Reign and Death

In 334, Emperor Li Xiong became very sick. He had an infected head wound that spread to other old injuries. His body was said to smell very bad, and even his own sons avoided him. But Li Ban stayed by his side, caring for him day and night.

Li Xiong passed away in the summer of 334. Li Ban then became the new emperor. However, as Li Xiang had predicted, Li Xiong's own sons were not happy. They felt they should have been chosen instead of Li Ban.

Two of Li Xiong's sons, Li Yue and his younger brother Li Qi, started planning against Li Ban. Li Ban's younger brother, Li Wu, heard rumors of their plot. He suggested that Li Ban send Li Yue and Li Qi away from the capital city right away. He wanted them to go back to their military posts.

But Li Ban was too kind-hearted. He didn't want to send away Li Xiong's sons before their father was even buried. Instead, he sent Li Wu away, hoping to reduce any tension.

In the winter, Li Ban was keeping watch over Li Xiong's coffin as part of the mourning traditions. During the night, Li Yue attacked and killed Li Ban. He also killed Li Ban's older brother, Li Du. After the assassination, Li Yue made Li Qi the new emperor. He even faked a message from Empress Dowager Ren, falsely accusing Li Ban of crimes.

Posthumous Honor

When Li Qi became emperor, he did not recognize Li Ban as a true emperor. He only gave Li Ban the title "Crown Prince Li" after his death.

However, in 338, Li Qi was overthrown by another relative, Li Shou. Li Shou then honored Li Ban properly. He gave Li Ban the posthumous title "Emperor Ai," recognizing him as a legitimate emperor.

Personal Information

• Father: Li Dang (李蕩), the second son of Li Te and older brother to Li Xiong (Emperor Wu)
• Mother: Lady Luo (executed by Li Qi in 334)