After Liu Xuan established his capital in Luoyang, he needed a capable and trustworthy official to stabilize the Hebei region. Seeing this as an opportunity to expand his influence, Liu Xiu (6 B.C.-A.D. 57) persuaded Liu Xuan to grant him the role. With the title of Grand Marshal under the Gengshi regime, Liu Xiu set out for Hebei, where he would begin laying the foundation for the Eastern Han Dynasty.
Winning the people’s trust
At the time, Hebei was divided among three major forces: Wang Lang, who claimed to be a descendant of Liu Bang and enjoyed strong public support; remnants of Wang Mang’s regime; and peasant rebel armies such as the Tongma (Bronze Horse) and Qingdu forces. Liu Xiu adopted a strategy of aligning himself with the people. In every city he entered, he met with officials, overturned unjust cases, repealed Wang Mang’s harsh policies, restored Han Dynasty traditions, freed prisoners, and provided relief to the hungry. His actions quickly earned the loyalty of both officials and commoners.
One of Liu Xiu’s advisors, Liu Lin, proposed a ruthless plan: divert the Yellow River to drown the Chimei (Red Eyebrow) Army. While this could have annihilated the rebels, it would have also caused a massive humanitarian disaster, killing countless civilians. Liu Xiu rejected the plan, believing such cruelty would cost him the people’s support. His commitment to moral governance strengthened his legitimacy and reputation.
Building alliances and strengthening his position
When Liu Xiu first arrived in Hebei, he had few troops and no actual command over the local forces. While he actively recruited talented individuals and sought public support, he lacked the military strength to enforce his rule. Hunted by Wang Lang’s forces, he often found himself in peril. However, through strategic alliances, he gradually built a formidable army. He solidified his foothold by leveraging the influence of local officials in Xindu, Shanggu, and Yuyang.
Liu Xiu ruled with leniency, preferring to win hearts rather than rule by fear. He believed that “softness can overcome hardness, and the weak can conquer the strong.” His humane approach proved especially effective in integrating surrendered forces, particularly the Tongma rebel army.
Gaining the loyalty of the Tongma rebels
After surrendering, the Tongma army was uneasy. Their soldiers feared betrayal, while Liu Xiu’s Han forces distrusted them, believing they would not truly submit. To ease tensions, Liu Xiu took a bold step: He ordered his own troops to return to their camps and personally rode into the Tongma camp alone. There, he joined their training exercises, demonstrating trust and camaraderie. Seeing his sincerity, the Tongma soldiers were deeply moved and pledged their loyalty. They affectionately referred to him as the “Tongma Emperor” and vowed to follow him to the end.
Establishing the Eastern Han Dynasty
By A.D. 25, Liu Xiu’s power had grown significantly. A former classmate arrived from Guanzhong, presenting him with the Chi Fu prophecy, which proclaimed that his rule was divinely ordained. Encouraged by his generals, he declared himself emperor and adopted the era name Guangwu. However, securing his rule meant defeating the remnants of the peasant uprisings. True to his philosophy, he continued to govern with fairness, which played a crucial role in his swift success.
Conquering Luoyang without bloodshed
One of the greatest examples of Liu Xiu’s strategic brilliance was his peaceful capture of Luoyang. The city was heavily fortified and defended by Li Yi and Zhu Wei, who commanded an army of 300,000. Instead of launching a direct assault, Liu Xiu used psychological tactics. First, he sowed discord between the two generals, leading Zhu Wei to assassinate Li Yi. He then sent envoys to persuade Zhu Wei to surrender. However, Zhu Wei hesitated, fearing Liu Xiu’s revenge for his past crimes.
Liu Xiu sent him a message: “Those who pursue great endeavors do not dwell on past grievances. If you surrender, not only will I spare you, but I will also preserve your noble rank. I swear this on my honor.” Trusting Liu Xiu’s promise, Zhu Wei surrendered. Liu Xiu personally removed his bindings and treated him with the utmost respect. Witnessing his integrity, other commanders and officials quickly pledged allegiance. With both military and civilian support, his rule was secured.
Through wisdom, moral governance, and strategic diplomacy, Liu Xiu unified China and established the Eastern Han Dynasty. His ability to win hearts, rather than rely solely on force, remains a powerful lesson in leadership and statecraft.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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