Xiao He: One of Three Outstanding Heroes of Early Han Dynasty"
By admin on 2014-12-26

Xiao He, born in Pei County (today's Jiangsu), was a famous politician and one of the "Three Outstanding Heroes of Early Han Dynasty".

Xiao He, who was a turnkey in Qin Pei County in his early years, assisted Liu Bang in peasant uprising in late Qin. After taking the Xianyang City, while other generals were contending for the money and valuables, he took over the laws, decrees and books preserved in the mansions of the Qin Prime Minister and ministers, thus learning about the strategic places of the country and the registered residences of every county. His understanding of common people's sufferings also provided important basis for establishing policies later.

After Xiang Yu claimed himself the king, Xiao He persuaded Liu Bang to accept the territory granted and set his foot in Hanzhong County. Then he tried every way to recommend Han Xin to be the general-in-chief in the battle controlling the Sanqin region (or Shaanxi). During the wartime between the State of Chu and Han, he stayed to take care of the home front providing supplies for the army, thus contributing greatly to Liu Bang's victory in the battle.

Upon founding of Han Dynasty, Xiao He reestablished the laws and statutes and advocated "inaction" in management. In 196 B.C., he assisted Emperor Gaozu in rooting out the non-relative kings including Han Xin and Ying Bu and was conferred Prime Minister.

After Liu Bang passed away, Xiao He continued to assist Emperor Hui and died in the second year during the reign of Emperor Hui (193 B.C.). He was conferred the posthumous title "Marquis Wenzhong". He recommended Cao Shen as his successor when he was terminally ill.