Liu Xiang, Prince of Qi

Liu Xiang (Chinese: 劉襄; died 179 BC), formally King Ai of Qi (Chinese: 齊哀王) was a key player during the Lü Clan Disturbance (180 BC).^[1] He was the grandson of Emperor Gaozu of Han and the eldest son of Liu Fei, Prince of Qi by Consort Si.

During the Lü Clan Disturbance, Liu Xiang led the Qi forces and also seized the forces of the nearby Principality of Langye, and was ready to march to the capital Chang'an to claim the imperial throne for himself, assisted by his brothers Liu Zhang and Liu Xingju. After the officials in the capital overthrew the Lü clan and deposed Emperor Houshao of Han, however, they instead invited his uncle Prince Liu Heng of Dai (later Emperor Wen) to be emperor. Liu Xiang acquiesced and did not fight Emperor Wen for the throne, and he withdrew his forces back to his territory, though in fact he should be the heir presumptive after the extinction of the male line of Emperor Hui of Han.

References

1. Ban Biao; Ban Gu; Ban Zhao. "王子侯表" [Table of sons of nobles]. Book of Han (in Chinese). Volume 15. Retrieved 27 January 2011.