Liu Hongchang

Liu Hongchang (劉弘昌) (died 944), formally the Prince of Yue (越王), was an imperial prince and chancellor of the Chinese Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period state Southern Han. He was a son of Southern Han's founding emperor Liu Yan (Emperor Gaozu), and at one point, Liu Yan considered bypassing his older brothers Liu Bin (né Liu Hongdu, Emperor Shang) and Liu Sheng (né Liu Hongxi, Emperor Zhongzong) and making him the successor to the throne. During the subsequent reign of Liu Sheng, Liu Sheng, fearing his capability, had him assassinated.

Background It is not known when Liu Hongchang was born, and it is not known who his mother was. However, it is known that he was Liu Yan's fifth son. In 932, Liu Yan created 19 of his sons, including Liu Hongchang, imperial princes, with Liu Hongchang receiving the title of Prince of Yue.

Liu Hongchang was described to be filially pious, careful, and knowledgeable, and therefore was much favored by Liu Yan.

During Liu Bin's reign Liu Bin was said to be arrogant and licentious as emperor, and many of his attendants were killed despite innocence. Liu Hongchang often tried to speak with him to change his ways, to no effect.

Notes and references

Spring and Autumn Annals of the Ten Kingdoms, vol. 61. Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 278, 283, 284.