He is the most “scoundrel-like” emperor in history. He knew how to dodge oppressive laws and sneak away with food and wine, yet he always kept the people’s hot meals and the smoke rising from a thousand homes in his heart.
With a scoundrel’s manner, he acted for the people; with the wisdom of the streets, he broke the shackles of Heaven’s will.
To his brothers, he clapped them on the shoulder and promised, “There’ll be meat for everyone.” To his realm, he knelt and apologized: “I have made you suffer.” To the Celestial Court, he declared imperiously, “This is my realm. Why should I need the gods to grant me a title?”
From pavilion head in Sishui to founding emperor of the Han dynasty, Liu Bang proved with his life that the greatest fortune has never come from Heaven’s decree, but from the hearts of the people!
