Dynasties of ChinaEastern HanEastern Han lineage
Benchu · Reign 145—146
When he was only eight years old, he openly called Liang Ji a "domineering general" and was poisoned by Liang Ji.
Liu Zuan was the son of King Xiao Liu Hong of Bohai and the great-great-grandson of Emperor Zhang. He was made emperor by Liang Ji in 145 at the age of eight. He was smart since childhood and noticed Liang Ji's tyranny. During a court meeting, he looked at Liang Ji and said, "This is a domineering general." Liang Ji was furious when he heard this and poisoned the boiled cakes around Leap June 146. Emperor Zhi became upset after eating and was refused water when he asked for water. He died soon after. He was only nine years old and reigned for less than a year. Buried in Jingling. Liang Ji then welcomed Liu Zhi, the Marquis of Liwu, as Emperor Huan.
PoliticsEntering into the family at the age of eight
After the death of Emperor Chong, in order to continue to control the government, Liang Ji opposed Li Gu and others' proposal to establish Liu Lian, the king of Qinghe, and welcomed Liu Zuan, the eight-year-old son of King Xiao of Bohai, with Liangtaihou continuing to rule as regent.
PoliticsPoisoned by Liang Ji
Emperor Zhi called Liang Ji "the domineering general". Liang Ji had a grudge and killed Emperor Zhi with poisonous cakes. Taiwei Li Gu advocated the establishment of King Qinghe, but Liang Ji refused to listen. Instead, he dismissed Li Gu and made Liwu Hou Liu Zhi the emperor.
Lasting legacyIn later generations, the word "bossy" was often used to describe arrogance and domineering. The idiom "bossy general" came from this incident.
Shunlie, the brother of Lianghuanghou, succeeded Liang Shang as the general in 141, and held power for nearly 20 years during the Shun, Chong, Zhi, and Huan dynasties. He poisoned Emperor Zhi and gathered a lot of money, and was finally killed by Emperor Huan in 159.