Liu Pi, Prince of Wu

Liu Pi (simplified Chinese: 刘濞; traditional Chinese: 劉濞; pinyin: Liú Pì, 216–154 BC) was a nephew of Emperor Gao of Han, son of Liu Xi, Prince of Dai, and created as Prince of Wu by Emperor Gao. During the reign of Emperor Jing, he initiated the Rebellion of the Seven States to resist centralizing policies, in which he was defeated and killed.^[1]

Biography

In 196 BC, he was made Marquess of Pei at the age of 20. He demonstrated his combat ability as a cavalry general in the campaign against Ying Bu. In 195 BC, Emperor Gao promoted Pi to Prince of Wu due to his growing worry of the Wu provinces.^[2]

When Emperor Wen of Han was in throne, Pi's son Liu Xian and Crown Prince Qi (later Emperor Jing of Han) involved in a game of Liubo which ended in the crown prince accidentally killing Pi's son with the chess board. Out of revenge and growing distrust of the Emperor, Pi started building up wealth and military in his territory. Emperor Wen believed his son was at fault and did not hold Pi accountable for his expansion.^[3]

After Crown Prince Qi ascended to the throne and became Emperor Jing of Han, under the advice from Chao Cuo, a series of centralize effort began in attempt to reduce strength of regional princes. In 154 BC, Pi convinced six other princes to rebel against the emperor, thereby starting the Rebellion of the Seven States. The emperor appointed Zhou Yafu as commander and defeated Pi's army. Pi was killed in battle and his title was abolished.^[1]

References

1. Ban Biao; Ban Gu; Ban Zhao. "荊燕吳傳" [Biographies of the Princes of Jing, Yan and Wu]. Book of Han (in Chinese). Volume 35. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
2. Ban Biao; Ban Gu; Ban Zhao. "諸侯王表" [Table of nobles related to the imperial clan]. Book of Han (in Chinese). Volume 14. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
3. Sima Qian. "吳王濞列傳" [Biographies of Pi, the Prince of Wu]. Records of the Grand Historian (in Chinese). Volume 106. Retrieved 12 July 2011.