Biography
Early life
Liu Ye was born around 179 CE in Chengde, Huainan (present-day south of Shou County, Anhui).
His courtesy name was Ziyang.
He was a descendant of Liu Yan, Prince of Fuling, son of Emperor Guangwu of Han.
Childhood courage
When Liu Ye was seven years old, his mother died.
Before her death, she said that Liu Pu’s servant had a character of falsely accusing people.
She feared that after her death, there would be chaos.
She hoped that Liu Ye and his older brother Liu Huan would remove him when they grew up.
When Liu Ye was thirteen years old, he followed his mother’s last wish.
He executed the servant whom his father favoured.
He then calmly asked his father for punishment.
Liu Pu was originally very angry.
However, after learning of Liu Ye’s motive, he greatly admired him.
He did not harshly punish him.
Recognition by Xu Shao
Xu Shao of Runan was skilled at observing people.
At that time, he was taking refuge in Yangzhou.
He said that Liu Ye had “talent to assist the realm.”
Killing Zheng Bao
When Liu Ye was in his twenties, the realm was in great chaos.
The local magnates in Yangzhou mostly did not want to suppress the strong and help the weak.
They were cunning and cruel.
In Yangzhou, there were Zheng Bao, Zhang Duo, Xu Gan, and others who held troops and were self-reliant.
Among them, Zheng Bao was the most brave and decisive.
His talent and strength were both outstanding.
He was feared by the local people.
At that time, Zheng Bao wanted to plunder the people and cross the Yangtze River to Jiangnan.
He saw that Liu Ye was a famous person from a prominent family in the area.
He wanted to force him to advocate this plan.
Liu Ye learned of this and was very afraid.
However, Zheng Bao could not find him.
The plan
At that time, Cao Cao sent an envoy to Yangzhou.
Liu Ye went to see the envoy.
He discussed the current situation.
He asked the envoy to stay with him for several days.
Zheng Bao therefore brought several hundred people with oxen and wine to welcome the envoy.
He waited for Liu Ye.
Liu Ye set up wine, food, and a meal outside the middle gate for Zheng Bao’s followers.
He himself drank with Zheng Bao inside.
He secretly asked someone to kill Zheng Bao during the opportunity of toasting.
However, Zheng Bao originally did not like wine.
He was also very alert to them.
This made that person dare not act.
The execution
Liu Ye therefore personally used his sword to execute Zheng Bao.
He cut off his head.
He intimidated his followers: “Duke Cao has ordered that anyone who dares to move will have the same crime as Bao.”
The followers saw this and were all shocked and afraid.
They ran back to the camp.
At that time, there were still several thousand elite troops in the camp.
Liu Ye, to prevent them from rebelling, immediately rode Zheng Bao’s horse to Zheng Bao’s camp gate.
He explained the advantages and disadvantages of fortune and disaster to some leaders.
Finally, everyone kowtowed and welcomed Liu Ye.
Taking command
Liu Ye entered the camp and pacified the crowd.
He made everyone submit.
They even elected Liu Ye as the new leader.
However, Liu Ye saw that the Han dynasty was declining.
He himself was also a member of the imperial clan.
He did not want to hold troops.
He therefore entrusted those troops to Liu Xun, Administrator of Lujiang.
Service under Liu Xun
Liu Xun at that time had very strong troops in the area between Jiang and Huai because he had captured Yuan Shu’s dependents.
He also had large amounts of property.
He was feared by Sun Ce.
Sun Ce therefore sent an envoy with humble words and treasures.
He asked Liu Xun to attack Shangliao city on his behalf.
Liu Xun believed Sun Ce.
He was even more happy because he received treasures.
Everyone congratulated him.
However, Liu Ye did not feel happy.
Warning Liu Xun
Liu Xun asked why.
Liu Ye said: “Although Shangliao is small, the city walls are strong and the moat is deep. It is difficult to attack and easy to defend. It cannot be captured in ten days. The troops will be exhausted outside, and the interior will be empty. If Sun Ce takes advantage of the emptiness and attacks us, we will not be able to defend alone afterwards. This is advancing and being defeated by the enemy, and retreating with nowhere to return. If the army goes out now, disaster will arrive now.”
However, Liu Xun did not listen.
He insisted on sending troops.
Sun Ce indeed took advantage of the emptiness and attacked Liu Xun from behind.
Liu Xun was defeated.
In 199 CE, the fourth year of Jian’an, he defected to Cao Cao.
Liu Ye also followed.
Campaign against Chen Ce
Later, Cao Cao went to Shouchun.
At that time, the mountain bandit Chen Ce gathered tens of thousands of people in Lujiang.
He defended by relying on dangerous terrain.
Cao Cao had once sent a deputy general to try to eliminate them but did not succeed.
Cao Cao therefore asked his subordinates whether they could campaign against them.
Many people believed that the mountain bandits defended by relying on dangerous terrain.
They were difficult to attack.
Moreover, they were insignificant.
They should not be campaigned against.
However, Liu Ye believed that it was actually because the deputy general’s qualifications were insufficient and the realm was not yet stable that the mountain bandits still dared to resist.
At that time, the situation was already largely stable.
They should first offer rewards to persuade surrender.
Then use military strength to advance and press.
The mountain bandits would then collapse by themselves.
Cao Cao agreed.
He sent fierce generals in front and a large army behind.
Finally, Chen Ce was pacified just as Liu Ye had predicted.
After the battle, Cao Cao appointed Liu Ye as Clerk in the Granary Section of the Minister over the Masses.
Campaign against Zhang Lu
In 215 CE, the twentieth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao campaigned against Zhang Lu, who occupied Hanzhong.
He appointed Liu Ye as Master of Records.
At that time, Zhang Lu’s younger brother Zhang Wei led troops and defended firmly.
Cao Cao attacked the various camps on Mount Yangping.
However, the mountain terrain was dangerous and difficult to climb.
It was difficult to attack.
Moreover, many soldiers were killed or wounded.
Grain was also lacking.
Cao Cao therefore planned to withdraw his army.
He ordered Xiahou Dun and Xu Chu to call the troops on the mountain to retreat.
The opportunity
At that time, some troops mistakenly entered Zhang Wei’s separate camp at night.
The soldiers in the camp were greatly shocked and scattered.
Liu Ye, who was at the rear of the army, saw this and believed they could win.
He advised Xiahou Dun and others not to retreat.
Xiahou Dun saw this and believed him.
He therefore went back and told Cao Cao.
Cao Cao therefore attacked Zhang Wei.
Zhang Wei could not resist and retreated.
Zhang Lu soon surrendered.
Cao Cao obtained Hanzhong.
Advising to attack Shu
Liu Ye immediately advised Cao Cao to attack Shu, which Liu Bei had newly occupied.
He believed that after capturing Hanzhong, the Shu people were shocked.
If they attacked, they would submit at the sight of the wind.
Otherwise, if they let Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei stabilize the people’s hearts and defend by relying on dangerous terrain, it would be difficult to conquer in the future.
However, Cao Cao did not listen.
The missed opportunity
Seven days later, there were people who surrendered from Shu.
They said that the Shu people’s hearts were in panic.
Liu Bei executed those who panicked but could not stabilize the people’s hearts.
Cao Cao therefore asked Liu Ye again whether they could attack now.
Liu Ye, however, said that the Shu people’s hearts had already slightly stabilized.
They could not attack.
Cao Cao finally returned with his army.
Later, Liu Ye was appointed Army Supervisor and Leader.
He concurrently led troops.
Service under Cao Pi
In 220 CE, the first year of Huangchu, Liu Ye was promoted to Palace Attendant.
He was enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes.
At that time, Cao Pi asked the court ministers whether Liu Bei would take revenge for Guan Yu, who had been killed when Sun Quan attacked and captured Jing Province.
Most believed that Liu Bei’s strength was weak.
His famous general was only Guan Yu.
After Guan Yu’s death, the state was worried.
They would not launch war at all.
However, Liu Ye believed that Liu Bei would certainly use sending troops to restore his prestige.
Moreover, he believed that Liu Bei and Guan Yu had deep brotherly feelings.
Liu Bei would certainly take revenge for him.
The prediction comes true
Finally, Liu Bei indeed attacked Sun Quan in the following year (221 CE).
He launched the Battle of Yiling.
At that time, Sun Quan used the entire state’s strength to deal with it.
He also submitted to Cao Wei as a vassal.
Many court ministers congratulated.
However, Liu Ye believed that Sun Quan did not have a heart of submission.
This was only submission because he had no choice.
Liu Ye further suggested that Cao Pi take advantage of the emptiness and lead troops to attack and destroy Eastern Wu to eliminate future troubles.
However, Cao Pi did not agree.
After the Battle of Yiling
After Eastern Wu won the Battle of Yiling, they indeed gradually showed a heart of not submitting.
Cao Pi therefore planned to campaign against them.
However, Liu Ye believed that Wu had just achieved a great victory against Shu Han.
They were united above and below.
Moreover, they had the natural barrier of the Yangtze River.
They could not attack so hastily.
However, Cao Pi did not listen again.
Campaign against Wu
In 224 CE, the fifth year of Huangchu, Cao Pi personally led his army to Guangling Sikou.
He ordered the armies of Jing Province and Yang Province to advance together.
They attacked Eastern Wu.
At that time, many people believed that Sun Quan would personally lead his army to resist.
However, Liu Ye believed that Sun Quan knew that Cao Pi only led a large army to press the border north of the river.
Those who crossed the river to fight would certainly be other generals.
He would therefore certainly wait quietly for the attack.
He would not personally lead to meet the attack.
Finally, Sun Quan did not come.
Cao Pi had no choice but to retreat.
Ability to read people
Wei Feng had a very famous reputation in the late Eastern Han.
Officials below the rank of ministers all sincerely made friends with him.
In 220 CE, the first year of Yan Kang, Meng Da, a general under Liu Bei, led his followers and surrendered.
Cao Pi greatly valued Meng Da.
He appointed him as Administrator of Xincheng.
He added Gentleman Cavalier Attendant.
At that time, people all said he had “the capacity of Yue Yi.”
However, Liu Ye, as soon as he saw these two people, said they would certainly rebel.
Finally, Wei Feng rebelled at Yecheng in 219 CE, the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an.
Meng Da, however, communicated with Zhuge Liang in 227 CE, the first year of Taihe, intending to rebel.
Service under Cao Rui
In 227 CE, the first year of Taihe, Cao Rui, Emperor Ming of Wei, succeeded to the throne.
Liu Ye was advanced to Marquis of Dongting.
His fief was three hundred households.
In the following year, Gongsun Yuan of Liaodong forced his uncle Gongsun Gong to yield the position.
He established himself as Administrator of Liaodong.
Liu Ye believed that the Gongsun clan had occupied Liaodong for a long time.
They relied on the barriers of the sea and mountains.
They might be difficult to control like the Hu tribes.
They might even rebel.
He suggested that they should take advantage of Gongsun Yuan’s initial ascension to the throne.
They should attack unexpectedly.
They should also set up rewards to lure his opponents to assist.
They might be able to solve the Liaodong separatist problem without even going to war.
However, this was ultimately not accepted.
Gongsun Yuan also rebelled against Wei in 237 CE, the first year of Jingchu.
The flattery incident
Liu Ye received Cao Rui’s favour and closeness.
Once, Cao Rui planned to campaign against Shu Han.
The court ministers all said it was not possible.
However, Liu Ye privately said to Cao Rui that it was possible.
Later, when he went out and met with the court ministers, he said it was not possible.
Because of Liu Ye’s courage and insight, when he spoke, it all seemed sincere.
Cao Rui and the various ministers all did not suspect.
The confrontation
At that time, Yang Ji, Leader of the Central Army, was favoured by Emperor Ming.
He also respected Liu Ye.
He was the minister who most opposed Cao Rui campaigning against Shu.
When Liu Ye met with Yang Ji, he also told him the reasons why they could not campaign.
Yang Ji therefore believed that Liu Ye would certainly support him.
Later, when Yang Ji again discussed campaigning against Shu Han with Emperor Ming, Yang Ji earnestly remonstrated in opposition.
Emperor Ming criticized him for being a scholar and not understanding military matters.
Yang Ji therefore brought up Liu Ye, who had always opposed campaigning against Shu and was also an important minister, to advise Emperor Ming.
However, Emperor Ming had always heard Liu Ye say they could campaign.
He therefore summoned Liu Ye to confront Yang Ji.
However, when summoned, Liu Ye did not say a word.
The explanation
Later, Liu Ye again privately met with Emperor Ming.
Liu Ye criticized Emperor Ming for not telling the great plan of campaigning against Shu to others casually.
He further said he suspected that Shu Han had already learned of the intelligence that Emperor Ming was coming to attack.
Emperor Ming was even more grateful to Liu Ye.
Later, when he met Yang Ji, he again reminded him that his advice to the ruler was too direct.
He should express it tactfully.
Yang Ji also thanked him.
Discovery and dismissal
Someone saw Liu Ye flattering both sides so skillfully.
They were very disgusted.
They therefore reported to Emperor Ming.
They further suggested that when Emperor Ming summoned Liu Ye, he should specifically ask him with opinions opposite to his own.
If he agreed with everything, it would show that Liu Ye was guessing the ruler’s intentions.
Later, when Emperor Ming tried this, it was indeed so.
He therefore began to distance himself from Liu Ye.
Liu Ye therefore went mad.
In 232 CE, the sixth year of Taihe, he was transferred to Grand Master of the Palace because of illness.
Soon after, he served as Grand Herald.
Two years later, he again served as Grand Master of the Palace.
He then died.
He was posthumously titled Marquis Jing.
According to the Fuzi, Liu Ye went mad and died of worry after being distanced by Emperor Ming.
Personality
Liu Ye was known for his courage, insight, and strategic ability.
He was also known for his ability to read people and predict events.
However, he was later discovered to be flattering Cao Rui, which led to his dismissal.
Military achievements
Killing Zheng Bao
Liu Ye successfully killed Zheng Bao and took command of his troops.
Campaign against Chen Ce
Liu Ye successfully advised Cao Cao on how to pacify Chen Ce.
Campaign against Zhang Lu
Liu Ye successfully advised Cao Cao not to retreat during the campaign against Zhang Lu.
Advising to attack Shu
Liu Ye successfully advised Cao Cao to attack Shu immediately after capturing Hanzhong, but Cao Cao did not listen.
Relationships
With Liu Xun
Liu Ye served under Liu Xun and warned him about Sun Ce’s plot.
With Cao Cao
Liu Ye served under Cao Cao and advised him on various campaigns.
With Cao Pi
Liu Ye served under Cao Pi and predicted Liu Bei would attack Sun Quan.
With Cao Rui
Liu Ye served under Cao Rui but was later dismissed for flattery.
Anecdotes
Killing the servant
Liu Ye killed his father’s servant at age thirteen following his mother’s last wish.
Killing Zheng Bao
Liu Ye personally killed Zheng Bao and took command of his troops.
Warning Liu Xun
Liu Ye successfully warned Liu Xun about Sun Ce’s plot.
Predicting Liu Bei’s attack
Liu Ye successfully predicted that Liu Bei would attack Sun Quan.
Predicting rebellions
Liu Ye successfully predicted that Wei Feng and Meng Da would rebel.
The flattery incident
Liu Ye was discovered to be flattering Cao Rui and was dismissed.
Achievements
- Successfully killed Zheng Bao and took command of his troops
- Successfully advised Cao Cao on pacifying Chen Ce
- Successfully advised Cao Cao during the campaign against Zhang Lu
- Successfully predicted Liu Bei would attack Sun Quan
- Successfully predicted Wei Feng and Meng Da would rebel
- Known for strategic ability and ability to read people
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Liu Ye’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, grouped with Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Jiang Ji, and Liu Fang.
The missed opportunities
Liu Ye’s two most important strategies—attacking Shu immediately after capturing Hanzhong and attacking Wu when Sun Quan submitted—were not adopted by Cao Cao and Cao Pi, causing Cao Wei to lose two opportunities to unify the realm.
The flattery
Liu Ye was discovered to be flattering Cao Rui by agreeing with whatever the emperor said, which led to his dismissal.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Xu Shao said: “Liu Ye has talent to assist the realm.”
Bao Xun said: “Liu Ye flatters and is not loyal. He follows Your Majesty’s excessive and playful words. In the past, Liang Qiu Ju curried favour at Chuantai. Liu Ye is like this.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Liu Ye, and Jiang Ji had talent, strategy, and planning. They were extraordinary men of the world. Although their governance and virtue differed from Xun You’s, their planning and predictions were of the same class.”
Fu Xuan wrote: “Liu Ye had courage and insight. What he said all had form. The saying goes, ‘Clever deception is not as good as clumsy honesty.’ This is true. With Liu Ye’s clear insight and flexible strategy, if he had lived with virtue and righteousness and acted with loyalty and trustworthiness, how could the ancient superior worthies have exceeded him? He alone relied on talent and wisdom and did not coordinate with the world’s scholars. He did not push his heart to serve above. He was trapped by custom. He finally could not be safe in the realm. Is this not a pity?”
Legacy
Liu Ye is remembered as a key strategist who served three generations of Cao rulers.
His strategic predictions are praised.
However, his flattery of Cao Rui is criticized.
Timeline
- c. 179 CE: Born in Chengde, Huainan
- c. 186 CE: Mother died; left last wish
- c. 192 CE: Killed father’s servant at age thirteen
- c. 199 CE: Killed Zheng Bao; took command of his troops; entrusted troops to Liu Xun
- 199 CE: Warned Liu Xun about Sun Ce’s plot; Liu Xun defeated; defected to Cao Cao
- ?: Advised Cao Cao on pacifying Chen Ce; appointed Clerk in the Granary Section of the Minister over the Masses
- 215 CE: Served as Master of Records during campaign against Zhang Lu; advised Cao Cao not to retreat; Zhang Lu surrendered; advised Cao Cao to attack Shu immediately; Cao Cao did not listen; appointed Army Supervisor and Leader
- 220 CE: Promoted to Palace Attendant; enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Passes; predicted Liu Bei would attack Sun Quan
- 221 CE: Liu Bei attacked Sun Quan; advised Cao Pi to attack Wu; Cao Pi did not listen
- 222 CE: Visited Zhang Liao on behalf of Cao Pi
- 224 CE: Advised Cao Pi about Sun Quan; predicted Sun Quan would not personally lead; Cao Pi retreated
- 226 CE: Recommended Yang Fu on behalf of Cao Pi
- 227 CE: Advanced to Marquis of Dongting; advised Cao Rui to attack Gongsun Yuan; not accepted
- 232 CE: Discovered to be flattering Cao Rui; dismissed; transferred to Grand Master of the Palace; served as Grand Herald
- 234 CE: Again served as Grand Master of the Palace; died; posthumous Marquis Jing
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 14, Biography of Cheng, Guo, Dong, Liu, Jiang, Liu.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.