Xiang Zhuang
Encyclopedia
Xiang Zhuang was a younger cousin of Xiang Yu
, the "Hegemon-King of Western Chu
". He fought on Chu's side as a military general during the Chu–Han contention, a power struggle for supremacy over China between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. Not much is known about Xiang Zhuang, except for his role at the Feast at Hong Gate
in 206 BC.
, and a grandson of Xiang Yan. Both him and Xiang Yu were raised by their uncle, Xiang Liang
. Xiang Zhuang was versed in many types of martial arts and specialized in using swords.
and captured the Qin heartland of Guanzhong
. According to an earlier promise by King Huai II of Chu
, Liu Bang would become "King of Guanzhong". However, Xiang Yu was dissatisfied that Liu Bang had beat him in the race to Guanzhong and wanted to kill Liu.
As strongly encouraged by his advisor Fan Zeng
, Xiang Yu lured Liu Bang into a trap under the pretext of inviting Liu to attend a banquet at Hong Gate. However, during the feast, Xiang Yu became reluctant to kill Liu Bang and paid no attention to Fan Zeng's hints to take action. Fan Zeng left the feast, called for Xiang Zhuang, and told him, "Our lord is too soft-hearted. You go in, pretend to offer to perform a sword dance, and find an opportunity to kill the Duke of Pei (Liu Bang). If not, all of you will become his captives in future." Xiang Zhuang followed Fan Zeng's instructions and attempted to thrust his sword at Liu Bang on numerous instances.
Xiang Bo
, another uncle of Xiang Yu and Xiang Zhuang, stood up and offered to join in the performance. Xiang Bo prevented Xiang Zhuang from killing Liu Bang by blocking Xiang Zhuang or shielding Liu with his body whenever Xiang Zhuang thrust his sword towards Liu. Xiang Yu eventually stopped both of them and ordered them to return to their seats.
This incident became the origin of a Chinese idiom, Xiang Zhuang performs a sword dance, his target is actually the Duke of Pei. (項莊舞劍, 意在沛公). This saying is used to describe a situation where one does something to disguise an attack on another person.
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
, the "Hegemon-King of Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
". He fought on Chu's side as a military general during the Chu–Han contention, a power struggle for supremacy over China between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. Not much is known about Xiang Zhuang, except for his role at the Feast at Hong Gate
Feast at Hong Gate
The Feast at Hong Gate was a historical event later often memorialized in Chinese history, novels, and drama, including in Beijing opera...
in 206 BC.
Family background
Xiang Zhuang was a younger cousin of Xiang YuXiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
, and a grandson of Xiang Yan. Both him and Xiang Yu were raised by their uncle, Xiang Liang
Xiang Liang
Xiang Liang was a military leader who led a rebellion against the Qin Dynasty.-Early life:Xiang was a native of Xiaxiang . Xiang was a descendant of a family who served the Chu state for generations...
. Xiang Zhuang was versed in many types of martial arts and specialized in using swords.
Feast at Hong Gate
The only known appearance of Xiang Zhuang in history was during the Feast at Hong Gate in 206 BC. Liu Bang had just overthrown the Qin DynastyQin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC. The Qin state derived its name from its heartland of Qin, in modern-day Shaanxi. The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4th century BC, during the Warring...
and captured the Qin heartland of Guanzhong
Guanzhong
Guanzhong , or Guanzhong Plain, is a historical region of China corresponding to the lower valley of the Wei River. It is called Guanzhong or 'within the passes' to distinguish it from 'Guandong' or 'east of the pass', that is, the North China Plain. The North China Plain is bordered on the west by...
. According to an earlier promise by King Huai II of Chu
Emperor Yi of Chu
Emperor Yi of Chu , also known as King Huai II of Chu , personal name Xiong Xin was the ruler of the Chu state during the late Qin Dynasty...
, Liu Bang would become "King of Guanzhong". However, Xiang Yu was dissatisfied that Liu Bang had beat him in the race to Guanzhong and wanted to kill Liu.
As strongly encouraged by his advisor Fan Zeng
Fan Zeng
Fan Zeng was an advisor to Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.-Starting his career:Fan Zeng was a native of Juchao . He had a keen interest towards military strategy and politics...
, Xiang Yu lured Liu Bang into a trap under the pretext of inviting Liu to attend a banquet at Hong Gate. However, during the feast, Xiang Yu became reluctant to kill Liu Bang and paid no attention to Fan Zeng's hints to take action. Fan Zeng left the feast, called for Xiang Zhuang, and told him, "Our lord is too soft-hearted. You go in, pretend to offer to perform a sword dance, and find an opportunity to kill the Duke of Pei (Liu Bang). If not, all of you will become his captives in future." Xiang Zhuang followed Fan Zeng's instructions and attempted to thrust his sword at Liu Bang on numerous instances.
Xiang Bo
Xiang Bo
Xiang Bo was a noble of Chu of the Seven Warring States, and an uncle of Xiang Yu. His given name was Chan while his style name was Bo ....
, another uncle of Xiang Yu and Xiang Zhuang, stood up and offered to join in the performance. Xiang Bo prevented Xiang Zhuang from killing Liu Bang by blocking Xiang Zhuang or shielding Liu with his body whenever Xiang Zhuang thrust his sword towards Liu. Xiang Yu eventually stopped both of them and ordered them to return to their seats.
This incident became the origin of a Chinese idiom, Xiang Zhuang performs a sword dance, his target is actually the Duke of Pei. (項莊舞劍, 意在沛公). This saying is used to describe a situation where one does something to disguise an attack on another person.
External links
Xiang Zhuang on Baidu BaikeBaidu Baike
Baidu Encyclopedia is a Chinese language collaborative Web-based encyclopedia provided by the Chinese search engine Baidu. Like Baidu itself, the encyclopedia is heavily self-censored in line with government regulations....