Liu Sheng (Southern Han) facts for kids

Liu Sheng (Chinese: 劉晟; 920–958) was an emperor of the Southern Han dynasty in China. He was born as Liu Hongxi but later changed his name to Liu Sheng. He is also known by his temple name, Emperor Zhongzong of Han. Liu Sheng became the third emperor of Southern Han during a time in Chinese history called the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. He took the throne after his brother, Liu Bin, was removed from power.

Liu Sheng's Early Life

Liu Hongxi was born in 920. He was the fourth son of Liu Yan, who was the first emperor of Southern Han. Liu Hongxi was likely born in Xingwang, which is now Guangzhou, Guangdong.

In 932, Liu Yan gave his sons special titles. Liu Hongxi became the Prince of Jin. His older brothers, Liu Yaoshu and Liu Guitu, passed away early. This made his third older brother, Liu Hongdu, the next in line to become emperor.

In 942, Emperor Liu Yan became very ill. He was worried that Liu Hongdu and Liu Hongxi were not behaving well. He thought about making a younger son, Liu Hongchang, the next emperor instead. However, an official named Xiao Yi advised him against it. Xiao Yi said that choosing a younger son could cause problems. So, Liu Yan decided not to change the line of succession. Soon after, Liu Yan died, and Liu Hongdu became the new emperor.

Becoming Emperor

After his father's death, Liu Hongdu became Emperor Liu Bin. Liu Hongxi was put in charge of the government. However, Emperor Liu Bin was not very focused on ruling. He spent a lot of time drinking and listening to music, even during the time of mourning for his father.

Liu Hongxi wanted to be emperor himself. He encouraged his brother's carefree behavior. With the help of a general named Chen Daoxiang and others, Liu Hongxi arranged for his older brother, Liu Bin, to be removed from power on April 15, 943. After this, with support from his brother Liu Hongchang, Liu Hongxi declared himself emperor and changed his name to Liu Sheng.

Liu Sheng's Reign

Securing His Power

When Liu Sheng became emperor, he made his brothers Liu Hongchang and Liu Honggao important government officials. Soon, rumors spread about how Liu Bin had died. To calm the people, Liu Honggao suggested punishing those who helped Liu Sheng take the throne. Liu Sheng refused this idea.

Later, Chen Daoxiang, who had helped Liu Sheng, falsely accused Liu Honggao of planning to rebel. Liu Sheng then had Liu Honggao removed from power. After this, Liu Sheng became suspicious of his other brothers, especially Liu Hongchang, who was well-liked. In 944, Liu Sheng sent Liu Hongchang on a trip and arranged for him to be removed. Liu Sheng also dealt with other brothers, like Liu Hongbi and Liu Hongze, to secure his position.

By 947, Liu Sheng was concerned that his brothers might try to take the throne from his own sons. He removed many of his remaining brothers from power. It is said that a trusted helper, the eunuch Lin Yanyu, encouraged Liu Sheng in these actions.

Expanding the Southern Han Kingdom

In 948, Liu Sheng sent an official to the neighboring state of Chu to arrange a marriage alliance. Chu's ruler, Ma Xiguang, refused. Liu Sheng was angry and decided to attack Chu. He sent his general Wu Huai'en, who won battles and took control of He and Zhao Prefectures for Southern Han.

By 951, Chu was weakened by internal conflicts and had been taken over by another state, Southern Tang. However, a prince named Ma Xiyin still controlled some Chu territory. Liu Sheng sent General Wu Huai'en to conquer this area. Wu quickly took control of Gui Prefecture and the surrounding region. This allowed Southern Han to control all of the Lingnan area, which was a big expansion for the kingdom. Later that year, Southern Han also captured Chen Prefecture from Southern Tang.

Later Years and Challenges

In 953, Liu Sheng gave his five sons important titles as imperial princes.

In 954, Liu Sheng sent another of his remaining brothers, Liu Hongmiao, to govern a distant area. Liu Hongmiao was worried because other brothers who had gone to that area had been removed from power. He tried to refuse, but Liu Sheng insisted. Liu Hongmiao tried to avoid suspicion by letting others govern, but he was still accused of disloyalty. Liu Sheng then had him removed. By 955, it is said that all of Liu Sheng's brothers had been removed from power.

In 956, Lin Yanyu, the powerful eunuch who had advised Liu Sheng, passed away. Before he died, Lin recommended another eunuch, Gong Chengshu, to take his place.

In 957, Liu Sheng heard that a powerful northern state, Later Zhou, was winning many battles against Southern Tang. He worried that if Later Zhou conquered Southern Tang, Southern Han would be next. He tried to send gifts to the Later Zhou emperor, but his messengers were stopped. Liu Sheng began to prepare his navy for defense, but he soon returned to enjoying feasts.

Liu Sheng passed away in 958. His son, Liu Jixing (who changed his name to Liu Chang), became the next emperor of Southern Han.