Liu Bin (Southern Han) facts for kids

Liu Bin (Chinese: 劉玢) was a Chinese emperor. He was born in 920 and passed away on April 15, 943. His birth name was Liu Hongdu. He is also known by his special title, the Emperor Shang of Southern Han.

Liu Bin was the second emperor of the Southern Han dynasty. His time as emperor was very short. He ruled from 942 to 943. He became emperor after his father, Liu Yan, died. His reign ended when his brother, Liu Hongxi, took control. Liu Hongxi later became known as Liu Sheng.

Early Life and Family

Liu Hongdu was born in 920. He was the third son of Liu Yan. At that time, Liu Yan was already the emperor of Southern Han. So, Liu Hongdu was likely born in the capital city, Xingwang. Today, this city is known as Guangzhou, in Guangdong province.

His mother was Consort Zhao. She was one of Emperor Liu Yan's wives. In 932, Liu Yan gave his sons special titles. Liu Hongdu became the Prince of Bin. This title was soon changed to Prince of Qin.

Liu Hongdu had two older brothers, Liu Yaoshu and Liu Guitu. They both received princely titles in 932. However, they passed away early. This meant Liu Hongdu became the oldest living son of Emperor Liu Yan. He was then expected to be the next emperor.

Around 934, Liu Hongdu was in charge of the imperial guards. His father, Emperor Liu Yan, asked him to find 1,000 new guard soldiers. These soldiers were to be loyal to Liu Hongdu. Liu Hongdu ended up becoming friends with many of these new recruits.

Becoming Emperor

In 942, Emperor Liu Yan became very ill. He was worried about Liu Hongdu and another younger son, Liu Hongxi. He thought their behavior was not suitable for future leaders. He considered sending them away from the capital. He wanted them to defend different areas instead.

Liu Yan thought about making a younger son, Liu Hongchang, the next emperor. Liu Hongchang was known for being respectful and smart. But an official named Xiao Yi advised against this idea. Xiao Yi said that choosing a younger son could cause problems. So, Liu Yan decided not to change the line of succession.

Soon after, Emperor Liu Yan passed away. Liu Hongdu then became the new emperor.

Reign as Emperor

After becoming emperor, Liu Hongdu changed his name to Liu Bin. His brother, Liu Hongxi, became a very important person in the government. Liu Bin also honored his mother, Consort Zhao, by giving her the title of consort dowager.

Not long after Liu Bin became emperor, a big rebellion started. It was led by a local official named Zhang Yuxian. Zhang's rebellion took over many cities. Liu Bin sent his brothers, Liu Hongchang and Liu Honggao, to fight Zhang's army. But they were surrounded and almost captured. A general named Chen Daoxiang helped save them. Zhang's rebellion took control of much of the eastern part of Southern Han.

It is said that Liu Bin did not pay much attention to governing. He often spent time drinking and listening to music. This was even during the time he was supposed to be mourning his father. Few people dared to tell him to change his ways. Only Liu Hongchang and a palace official named Wu Huai'en tried to advise him.

Liu Bin was also suspicious of his brothers and other officials. He made them be searched before they could enter the palace to see him. His brother, Liu Hongxi, wanted to become emperor himself. So, Liu Hongxi encouraged Liu Bin's carefree behavior. He gave Liu Bin many gifts, like jewelry and women. Liu Bin also enjoyed arm wrestling. Liu Hongxi had a general named Chen train strong men for arm wrestling. Liu Bin was very happy about this.

On April 15, 943, Liu Bin held a big party for the princes. They watched arm wrestling matches. After the party, Liu Hongxi had Chen and the arm wrestlers take Liu Bin to his room. There, Liu Bin was killed. His servants were also killed. The next morning, officials and princes were worried. They did not dare to enter the palace. Finally, Liu Hongchang and the other brothers showed their support for Liu Hongxi. Liu Hongxi then became the new emperor.