Han Xin: Encyclopedia II - Han Xin - Early life and career

Han Xin - Early life and career

Han's father died early, and he had a poor childhood. It was said that one time when he was alone playing, he was confronted by a couple of hoodlums. They wanted to make fun of him that they made him crawl under their crotch. Han Xin knew at that time that if he were to combat them, he would be at a great disadvantage. So instead of putting up a fight, he did as he was told. This incident as he recalled later on was the best thing that happened in his life, because instead of letting his misfortunes handle his life, he used this event as a stepping stone to achieving his ambitions. After a couple of years of striving, he was able to master the art of war and, not long after, become one of the greatest strategist at that time. "Restraint," as he said, "must be practiced as a child; deny it, will cause your downfall." Once, when he was very hungry, an old lady gave him a meal. He promised to repay her for her graciousness when he would become powerful — a suggestion she laughed off.

During the rebellion against Qin rule, he initially served as a common soldier under Xiang Liang, then under Xiang Liang's nephew Xiang Yu, who was then the most powerful general in the war of resistance against Qin. Although he showed great military abilities, he was not trusted or promoted by Xiang, so he left Xiang's forces. After Qin fell and Xiang divided the former Qin territories among many princes, Han Xin joined Liu Bang (who was made the Prince of Han under Xiang's division)'s forces in 206 BC. Once, he had violated an unspecific law and was about to be executed, but the army commander in charge of the execution, Liu's friend Xiahou Ying (夏侯嬰) felt there was something special about him and spared him, and in fact recommended him to Liu. Liu was not impressed by Han, and made him in charge of the army food storage. It was during this time that Han got acquainted with Liu's prime minister Xiao He, who became very impressed with him.

Most of Liu's forces were from the region of Chu (modern Jiangsu and Anhui), and they were not happy about following Liu to his Principality of Han (modern Sichuan, Chongqing and southern Shaanxi). Many deserted. Later in 206 BC, after not being promoted by Liu despite multiple recommendations by Xiao, Han decided to desert, too. Xiao heard that Han had deserted and immediately chased after him, and returned only after two days with Han — and during those two days, Liu, who was heavily dependent on Xiao for administration and advice, was extremely panicked. Xiao, after his return, made another recommendation of Han, and Liu accepted this time, making Han the commander in chief of his armed forces.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Early life and career", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki