Liu Zong - Killing of Father and Brother

Killing of Father and Brother

In 810, Liu Ji was commanding his Lulong troops in attacking Wang Chengzong, the ruler of neighboring Chengde Circuit (成德, headquartered in modern Shijiazhuang, Hebei), whom Emperor Xianzong had declared a renegade. He had Liu Gun remain at Lulong's capital You Prefecture (幽州) to serve as acting military governor, while Liu Zong accompanied him on the campaign, serving as the army commander. During the campaign against Wang, Liu Ji had Liu Zong command the siege of Anping (安平, in modern Hengshui, Hebei), and Anping fell in one day. However, the Lulong army became bogged down at Raoyang (饒陽, in modern Hengshui) and was not able to advance further.

Meanwhile, Liu Ji grew ill during the campaign. Liu Zong conspired with Liu Ji's assistant Zhang Qi (張玘), treasurer Cheng Guobao (成國寶), and other officers, to take over power. He had people pretend to be imperial messengers arrive at the Lulong army's camp to state, "As the imperial government sees that you, Lord Chancellor, refuse to advance any further, the Deputy Military Governor has been made military governor." The next day, he had another person state, "The Deputy Military Governor's banner has already arrived at Taiyuan." Later on, he had another person state, "The banner has gone past Dai Prefecture ." The army was shocked by these developments. Liu Ji himself was shocked and incensed, and he killed tens of officers who were friendly with Liu Gun. He also sent messengers to You Prefecture, ordering Liu Gun to report to the Lulong army's camp, while making Zhang Qi's brother Zhang Gao (張皋) take over the headquarters. It was said that due to his anger, Liu Ji did not eat on that day from morning to noon, and when he grew thirsty and asked for a drink, Liu Zong handed him a poisoned drink. On August 20, 810, Liu Ji died from the poison. At Liu Gun travelled from You Prefecture to Zhuo Prefecture (涿州, in modern Baoding, Hebei), Liu Zong issued an order in Liu Ji's name, ordering that Liu Gun be caned to death. Liu Zong then took over the control of the circuit. As the imperial government did not know all that had occurred, Liu Zong was made military governor. He was also created the Duke of Chu.