Liu Yin (Southern Han) facts for kids

Liu Yin (born 874, died 911) was an important leader in China during a time of change. He lived at the end of the Tang dynasty and the start of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Liu Yin was a powerful military governor, also known as a Jiedushi. He controlled the Qinghai region, which is now Guangzhou, Guangdong. His leadership helped his younger brother, Liu Yan, later create the state of Southern Han.

Early Life and Family

Liu Yin was born in the year 874. His father, Liu Qian (also called Liu Zhiqian), was a low-ranking officer in Guang Prefecture. This area was part of the Qinghai region. Liu Yin's mother, Lady Wei, was related to the military governor of the area.

Liu Qian later became the leader of Feng Prefecture. Liu Yin was his oldest son. He also had two younger brothers, Liu Tai and Liu Yan.

Becoming a Leader

In 894, Liu Yin's father, Liu Qian, passed away. Liu Yin was in a period of mourning. During this time, some soldiers and people planned trouble. Liu Yin stopped them quickly.

After this, Liu Chonggui, the military governor of Qinghai, made Liu Yin an officer. He also gave Liu Yin control of Feng Prefecture.

Taking Control of Qinghai

In 896, a new military governor, Li Zhirou, was coming to Qinghai. But some local officers, Lu Ju and Tan Hongqi, planned to fight him. Tan Hongqi tried to get Liu Yin to join them. Tan even offered his daughter for Liu Yin to marry.

Liu Yin pretended to agree. But when he went to meet Tan, he surprised and killed him. Then, Liu Yin attacked Guang Prefecture and killed Lu Ju. After that, he welcomed Li Zhirou to take charge. Li Zhirou then made Liu Yin a top commander in the Qinghai army.

Challenges and Victories

In 898, a leader from Shao Prefecture, Zeng Gun, attacked Guang Prefecture. Liu Yin defeated him. Later, another officer, Liu Tong, attacked two other areas. Liu Yin defeated and killed him too.

In 900, the emperor sent a new leader, Xu Yanruo, to Qinghai. But Xu Yanruo died soon after arriving. Before he died, he suggested that Liu Yin should lead the region. The emperor then sent another leader, Cui Yuan. But Cui Yuan heard about bandits in Qinghai and worried Liu Yin would not give up power. So, Cui Yuan asked to go back to the capital.

Facing Other Warlords

In 902, Lu Guangchou, a leader from Qian Prefecture, attacked Qinghai. He captured Shao Prefecture. Liu Yin tried to get it back. His brother, Liu Yan, told him not to, saying Lu's army was too strong. But Liu Yin did not listen.

Liu Yin attacked Shao, but his army ran out of food. Lu Guangchou and his officer, Tan Quanbo, counterattacked. They defeated Liu Yin, and he had to retreat. Lu kept control of Shao.

In 904, a very powerful warlord named Zhu Quanzhong was in control of the emperor. Liu Yin gave gifts to Zhu Quanzhong and asked to become the military governor. Zhu Quanzhong agreed, and Liu Yin officially became the military governor.

Leading Qinghai

In 905, the emperor gave Liu Yin an important honorary title. This showed he was a respected leader.

In 907, Zhu Quanzhong took over the throne, ending the Tang dynasty. He started a new dynasty called Later Liang. Zhu Quanzhong, now Emperor Taizu, gave Liu Yin an even higher title and made him the Prince of Dapeng.

Expanding Influence

In 908, Ma Yin, the Prince of Chu, attacked Qinghai. His army captured six prefectures from Liu Yin.

Also in 908, Emperor Taizu of Later Liang sent officials to Liu Yin. They were to make him military governor of both Qinghai and Jinghai regions. Liu Yin accepted these titles. But then he kept the officials and did not let them return to the Later Liang court.

In 909, Emperor Taizu gave Liu Yin another title, making him the Prince of Nanping.

Around 910, Liu Yin sent his brother Liu Yan to attack Ningyuan. Liu Yan was defeated. However, the leader of Ningyuan, Pang Juzhao, felt he could not win against Liu Yin. So, Pang surrendered Ningyuan to the Chu state. Later that year, Emperor Taizu made Liu Yin the Prince of Nanhai.

Death and Legacy

In 911, Liu Yin became very sick. He suggested that his younger brother, Liu Yan, should take over after him. Liu Yin died shortly after. His brother, Liu Yan, then took control of the region. Liu Yin's efforts laid the groundwork for the future Southern Han state.

Personal Information

• Father: Liu Zhiqian (also called Liu Qian)
• Mother: Lady Wei
• Children:

* Princess Zengcheng (married to Zheng Min of Changhe) * Liu Hua, the Princess Qingyuan (married to Wang Yanjun of Min) * At least one son