The Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin is one of the most famous chapters in Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian. Written during the Han Dynasty, it chronicles the remarkable life of Han Xin, a brilliant military strategist who rose from poverty to become one of the founding generals of the Han Dynasty.
Han Xin was born into poverty in Huaiyin during the late Qin Dynasty. His early life was marked by hardship and humiliation. The most famous story from his youth tells of a local bully who challenged him to either fight or crawl between his legs. Han Xin chose to crawl, demonstrating remarkable self-control and strategic thinking that would later define his military genius.
Han Xin's military genius became evident when he joined Liu Bang's rebellion against the Qin Dynasty. His innovative strategies and tactical brilliance led to decisive victories, including the famous Battle of Jingxing Pass where he defeated a much larger enemy force. His contributions were crucial in establishing the Han Dynasty, earning him recognition as one of the Three Heroes of the Early Han.
Once the Han Dynasty was secure, Liu Bang's attitude toward Han Xin changed dramatically. Fearing his general's immense popularity and military prowess, Liu Bang demoted him from King of Chu to the lesser title of Marquis of Huaiyin. Eventually, Han Xin was falsely accused of plotting rebellion and executed by Empress Lü Zhi, marking the tragic end of one of China's greatest military minds.
The Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin stands as one of the greatest achievements in Chinese historical literature. Sima Qian's vivid portrayal of Han Xin has made him an enduring symbol of military genius and tragic heroism. The biography continues to influence Chinese culture, literature, and strategic thinking, serving as both a historical record and a timeless lesson about the complexities of power, loyalty, and political survival.