Liu Rengui

Biography

Family Background and Early Life

Liu Rengui came from the Liu clan of Weishi in Bian Prefecture and claimed descent from Emperor Zhang of Han, Liu Da. Although his lineage was regarded as distinguished, by his father's generation the family had declined, and Liu Rengui grew up orphaned and poor. In the turmoil at the end of the Sui dynasty, he was eager to learn but could not devote himself fully to study. Whenever he had spare time from labor, he traced characters in the air or on the ground with his fingers to reinforce what he had learned. In time, he became known locally for his broad learning.

During the early Wude era (618–626), Ren Gui, Pacification Commissioner of the Henan Circuit, drafted a memorial on state affairs. Liu Rengui saw the draft and revised several sentences. Impressed by his learning, Ren Gui appointed him provisionally by red warrant as an assistant in Xi Prefecture. This marked the beginning of Liu Rengui's official career, when he was about seventeen or eighteen. He was soon transferred to serve as county commandant of Chencang.

While serving at Chencang, Liu Rengui became involved in an incident that attracted attention at court. The local zhechong commandant Lu Ning was arrogant and lawless, and previous county officials had been unable to restrain him. After taking office, Liu Rengui explicitly warned Lu Ning not to repeat his offenses, but Lu Ning remained violent and overbearing. Liu Rengui therefore had him beaten to death with a staff. Prefectural officials reported the matter to the throne. Emperor Taizong of Tang angrily summoned Liu Rengui and demanded to know how a county commandant could kill one of the emperor's zhechong commandants. Liu Rengui answered, “Lu Ning insulted me, so I killed him.” Emperor Taizong judged him resolute and upright and, instead of punishing him, promoted him to assistant magistrate of Liyang. The episode established Liu Rengui's reputation under Emperor Taizong as a man of firm and forthright character.

Forthright Remonstrance and Career Reversals

In the autumn of 640, the fourteenth year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong planned to hunt in Tong Prefecture, corresponding to present-day Weinan in Shaanxi. The autumn harvest had not yet been completed. Liu Rengui submitted an earnest memorial opposing the hunt, arguing that preparations for the imperial outing and the repair of bridges and roads would require ten or twenty thousand laborers and leave the people in severe distress. Emperor Taizong issued a sealed letter of commendation, saying that although Liu Rengui held only a low office, he had shown complete loyalty to the state and that the emperor greatly approved his remonstrance. Liu Rengui was soon appointed magistrate of Xin'an and later promoted through the ranks to Palace Attendant Censor.

Although Liu Rengui was honest and uncompromising, this quality brought him into conflict with the favored Central Secretariat Vice Director Li Yifu. In 659, the fourth year of Xianqing, Liu Rengui offended Li Yifu while handling the Bi Zhengyi case and was demoted to governor of Qing Prefecture. This was the first major setback of his career and the beginning of Li Yifu's repeated attempts to ruin him.

In 660, the fifth year of Xianqing, Emperor Gaozong of Tang launched a campaign against Baekje and ordered Liu Rengui to supervise maritime transport. Li Yifu forced him to sail despite knowing that the timing was unsuitable. The fleet was struck by a storm and wrecked, causing heavy casualties. The court sent Investigating Censor Yuan Yishi to investigate. Li Yifu told Emperor Gaozong that Liu Rengui should be executed to answer for the losses. Fortunately, Secretariat Drafter Yuan Zhixin argued that a sudden sea storm was beyond human control. Emperor Gaozong therefore only removed Liu Rengui from office and ordered him to serve with the army as a commoner. Li Yifu later hinted to the officer Liu Renyuan that he should kill Liu Rengui, but Liu Renyuan could not bring himself to do so, and Liu Rengui survived.

Campaign in Baekje and the Battle of Baekgang

In 660, the fifth year of Xianqing, Left Guard General-in-Chief Su Dingfang conquered Baekje, leaving the officer Liu Renyuan with several thousand Tang troops to hold Sabi, the former Baekje capital, in present-day Buyeo County, South Chungcheong Province, Korea. The Tang established the Ungjin Commandery in former Baekje territory and appointed Left Guard Commandant Wang Wendu as its governor. Wang Wendu died of illness while crossing the sea, so Emperor Gaozong appointed Liu Rengui acting governor of Daifang Prefecture to replace him in command.

In 661, the sixth year of Xianqing, the former Baekje general Gwisil Boksin and the monk Dochim enthroned the former prince Buyeo Pung and launched the Baekje restoration movement, surrounding Liu Renyuan in the commandery city. When Liu Rengui received his orders, he rejoiced and said, “Heaven is about to bring wealth and rank to this old man.” He obtained a Tang calendar and a list of imperial taboo names from the provincial administration and took them with the army, declaring, “I intend to sweep away the eastern barbarians and promulgate the Tang calendar beyond the seas.” He then joined Silla troops in attacking the Baekje forces at the mouth of the Ungjin River, killing or drowning more than ten thousand men, and linked up with Liu Renyuan inside the city.

At the same time, Su Dingfang had been besieging the Goguryeo capital Pyongyang for an extended period. Because the campaign had gone badly and heavy snow set in, he withdrew. Emperor Gaozong ordered Liu Rengui to go to Silla and consult Kim Beop-min about whether the Tang army should remain. Most officers and soldiers wanted to return home, but Liu Rengui strongly opposed withdrawal and submitted a memorial explaining the strategic value of holding Baekje. Citing the Spring and Autumn Annals, he argued that a minister abroad could act on his own authority when doing so would secure the altars of state and benefit the realm. He advocated holding Ungjin, sharpening weapons, striking when the enemy was unprepared, and simultaneously requesting reinforcements from the court. He judged that Gwisil Boksin was violent and cruel and that Buyeo Pung was suspicious, so their alliance was outwardly united but internally divided and would eventually break apart. The court and Emperor Gaozong approved his analysis.

Events developed much as Liu Rengui predicted. He sent scouts to investigate Jinhyeon Fortress, built by Gwisil Boksin, and then led Silla troops in a night assault. They secretly scaled the walls and captured the fortress at dawn, reopening Silla's supply route. Buyeo Pung later suspected Gwisil Boksin of seeking power and killed him, then sent envoys to Wa and Goguryeo for assistance.

In 663, the third year of Longshuo, the court ordered Right Guard General Sun Renshi to cross the sea with reinforcements, greatly raising Tang morale. When the commanders discussed their next objective, some proposed attacking Garim Fortress first. Liu Rengui instead insisted on attacking Juryu Fortress, describing it as the rebels' nest and arguing that once Juryu fell the other strongholds would submit on their own. Sun Renshi, Liu Renyuan, and Silla king Kim Beop-min advanced by land, while Liu Rengui, Du Shuang, and Buyeo Yung led the fleet down the Ungjin River toward Baekgang to coordinate with the land army. There they encountered Wa forces. The Tang fleet won four successive engagements, burning four hundred Wa ships; as the source text records, “smoke and flames filled the sky and the sea turned red.” The Wa forces were decisively defeated. Buyeo Pung escaped, while his treasured sword was captured. Baekje princes Buyeo Chungseung and Buyeo Chungji surrendered with their followers, together with representatives from Wa and Tamna. This was the famous Battle of Baekgang, after which the Baekje restoration movement collapsed and Wa forces withdrew from the Korean Peninsula.

After the battle, the Baekje leaders Sataek Sangyeo and Heukchi Sangji, who had earlier joined Gwisil Boksin, surrendered to Tang. Liu Rengui sought to demonstrate trust in them and asked them to prove their sincerity by attacking Imjon Fortress, supplying them with arms and provisions. Sun Renshi feared that the two would rebel. Liu Rengui replied that he regarded them as loyal, courageous, and capable men who would succeed if they followed Tang but would be destroyed if they turned against it. Sataek Sangyeo and the others eventually captured Imjon Fortress, while Ji Susin fled alone to Goguryeo. The remaining Baekje resistance was thereby eliminated.

Administration of Baekje and Rise to High Office

Baekje had been devastated by two rounds of war, with corpses lying throughout the territory. Liu Rengui ordered the dead gathered, buried, and ritually mourned. He had household registers restored, administrative offices and subordinate officials established, roads opened, villages rebuilt, dikes and reservoirs repaired, the poor relieved, agriculture and sericulture encouraged, and state altars established. The people of Baekje were able to resume their livelihoods, while the garrison cultivated land, accumulated grain, supported the troops, and prepared for the conquest of Goguryeo.

After Liu Renyuan returned to the capital, Emperor Gaozong asked how a military officer had produced memorials and official documents of such quality. Liu Renyuan replied that they had all been written by Liu Rengui and were beyond his own ability. Emperor Gaozong praised Liu Rengui's talent, exceptionally promoted him by six grades, formally appointed him governor of Daifang Prefecture, granted him a residence in Chang'an, provided additional gifts to his family, and sent a special envoy carrying an imperial sealed document of commendation.

In 665, the second year of Linde, Emperor Gaozong performed the feng and shan ceremonies at Mount Tai. Liu Rengui led rulers and representatives from Silla, Baekje, Tamna, and Wa to attend. Emperor Gaozong was delighted and appointed Liu Rengui Chief Censor. In June 666, the first year of Qianfeng, Liu Rengui was promoted to Right Chancellor while concurrently serving as acting Left Guard of the Crown Prince. In recognition of his accumulated military merit, he was enfeoffed as Baron of Lecheng County.

Liu Rengui had earlier suffered humiliation when Yuan Yishi investigated him, yet after reaching high office he recommended Yuan for appointment as an official of the central censorial administration. Yuan became deeply anxious, but Liu Rengui told him to forget the past. Investigating Censor Du Yijian commented, “This is what is called correcting an excess by going too far in the opposite direction.”

In 668, the first year of Zongzhang, Liu Rengui served as Pacification Commissioner of the Ungjin Route and concurrently Commander of the Pae River, joining Li Ji in the conquest of Goguryeo. He was subsequently made Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and advanced to Left Vice Director of the Heir Apparent with the chancellor designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin, reaching the highest level of government.

Later Years and Death

On the third day of the first month of 670, the first year of Xianheng, Liu Rengui requested retirement because of his age and received permission. Soon afterward, however, the Tibetan Empire attacked the frontier and he was recalled as governor of Long Prefecture to organize the defense. In 672, the third year of Xianheng, he became Left Vice Director of the Heir Apparent, and in 673, the fourth year, he was ordered to revise the national history. In 674, the first year of Shangyuan, he was appointed Grand Commander of the Jilin Route.

In May 677, the second year of Yifeng, Tibetan forces attacked Linhe Garrison in Fu Prefecture and defeated Tang troops. The court appointed Liu Rengui Military Pacification and Garrison Commissioner of the Tao River Route. During his tenure he repeatedly submitted strategic recommendations, but Li Jingxuan repeatedly opposed them, causing Liu Rengui to resent him. On one occasion Liu Rengui memorialized that “for guarding the western frontier, no one but Jingxuan will do.” Li Jingxuan could not decline the appointment and was sent to command. In September 678, the third year of Yifeng, Li Jingxuan suffered a major defeat against Tibetan forces and lost more than half his army. The contemporary scholar Wei Shu criticized Liu Rengui for indulging a private grudge, forcing another man into an impossible assignment, and thereby bringing disgrace on the state, asking whether this comported with the principles of loyalty and forbearance. The affair became one of the major blemishes on Liu Rengui's record.

After Wu Zetian assumed regency, she intended to execute Pei Yan. She sent the officer Jiang Sizong from Luoyang to Chang'an to ask Liu Rengui's opinion. Liu Rengui asked Jiang about circumstances in Luoyang. Jiang replied that Pei Yan's behavior had long seemed unusual. Liu Rengui asked whether Jiang had noticed this, and Jiang answered that he had. Liu Rengui then said that he had a matter to report and asked Jiang to present a memorial on his behalf. Jiang agreed. The next day, Jiang returned to Luoyang carrying Liu Rengui's memorial, which accused him instead: “Jiang Sizong knew that Pei Yan was plotting rebellion but failed to report it.” After Wu Zetian executed Pei Yan, Jiang Sizong was also strangled at the Duting Post Station. The episode illustrates the calculation and severity of Liu Rengui's methods late in life.

On the twenty-second day of the first month of 685, the first year of Chuigong, Liu Rengui died at the age of eighty-four. Wu Zetian suspended court for three days and posthumously granted him the honors Kaifu Yitong Sansi and Grand Commander of Bing Prefecture. He was buried near Qianling Mausoleum and his household was granted three hundred tax households. After Emperor Zhongzong returned to the throne, Liu Rengui was further posthumously awarded the office of Grand Commandant. Under Emperor Xuanzong he received the posthumous name Wenxian and was enshrined in Emperor Gaozong's ancestral temple.

Major Activities

Military Contributions

Liu Rengui's major military achievements centered on the campaign in Baekje, the defeat of Wa forces, and the conquest of Goguryeo.

From the fifth year of Xianqing through the third year of Longshuo (660–663), Liu Rengui returned to service as a commoner and repeatedly distinguished himself on the Baekje front. He first relieved Liu Renyuan, then defeated enemy forces at the mouth of the Ungjin River, then captured Jinhyeon Fortress in a night assault to reopen the supply route. Finally, at the Battle of Baekgang he commanded the fleet to win four successive engagements and burn four hundred Wa ships, destroying the main restoration force. The source text states that this victory not only consolidated Tang control on the Korean Peninsula but also caused Wa to withdraw from continental intervention for a very long period.

In 668, the first year of Zongzhang, Liu Rengui participated in the conquest of Goguryeo as Pacification Commissioner of the Ungjin Route and Commander of the Pae River, contributing to the Tang defeat of the Goguryeo polity.

In later life, as Military Pacification and Garrison Commissioner of the Tao River Route, he defended against Tibetan forces. Although he won no major victory there, his recommendation of Li Jingxuan as his replacement was followed by the defeat on the Tao River front and became a blemish on his military career.

Political Activity

Liu Rengui served through the reigns of Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Taizong, Emperor Gaozong, and Wu Zetian and was an important political figure of the early Tang. In his early career he became known for forthright remonstrance. His killing of Lu Ning brought him Emperor Taizong's attention, while his opposition to the Tong Prefecture hunt displayed concern for the burdens borne by ordinary people.

During the Xianqing era, the Bi Zhengyi case brought him into conflict with the powerful Li Yifu, who retaliated severely and nearly had him killed. Yet after Liu Rengui won distinction in Baekje, he did not retaliate against Yuan Yishi, who had once investigated him, but instead recommended Yuan for promotion, showing a degree of political magnanimity.

In 666, the first year of Qianfeng, he became Right Chancellor, and in 668, the first year of Zongzhang, he entered the chancellery formally with the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. During Wu Zetian's regency he served as Western Capital Administrator and was enfeoffed as Duke of Lecheng, making him an important official in stabilizing the Guanzhong region. His use of Jiang Sizong to accuse Pei Yan of treason, though harsh in method, also reflected his support for Wu Zetian's government.

Administration of Baekje

Liu Rengui's administrative work in Baekje was notable among Tang frontier officials. After the wars left the territory devastated and corpses lying throughout the land, he ordered the dead gathered and buried with ritual mourning, restored household registers, appointed officials, reopened roads, reorganized villages, built and repaired bridges and embankments, restored ponds and reservoirs, encouraged farming, relieved the poor, cared for the elderly and orphaned, and established the dynasty's ritual institutions. Under his administration local inhabitants resumed their livelihoods, while Tang troops farmed as well as fought, creating a stable rear base for operations against Goguryeo.

Writings

Liu Rengui was widely read in literature and history. He wrote works including Record of the Years of My Life and the eleven-volume Later Version of the Permanent Regulations Preserved by the Office from the Yonghui Era, both of which are now lost. Although best known for military achievements, he was also a skilled writer. When Liu Renyuan returned to the capital, he admitted to Emperor Gaozong that all of his well-composed memorials had actually been written by Liu Rengui. Emperor Gaozong consequently promoted Liu Rengui by six grades and sent a specially sealed document of commendation.

Personal Relations

Family

• Ancestor: Emperor Zhang of Han, Liu Da
• Sons: Liu Tao; Liu Jun, an assistant director in the Ministry of Works
• Eldest grandson: Liu Huang, Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and successor to the Lecheng title
• Great-grandsons: Liu Zifan, secretary in the Hedong military commission and assistant director in the Bureau of Forestry and Crafts; Liu Zizhi
• Eleventh-generation descendant: Liu Xigu, Northern Song jinshi degree-holder
• Twelfth-generation descendant: Liu Mengsou, first-ranked graduate in the dingmao examination of 967, the fifth year of Qiande under Emperor Taizu of Song

Ruler and Minister

• Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin: appreciated his uprightness and promoted him
• Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi: entrusted him with major responsibilities in the eastern campaigns and repeatedly promoted him
• Wu Zetian: relied on him as Western Capital Administrator during her regency and entrusted him with stabilizing Guanzhong

Colleagues

• Liu Renyuan: comrade on the Baekje front; refused Li Yifu's suggestion that he kill Liu Rengui; later defended Baekje alongside him
• Sun Renshi: comrade at the Battle of Baekgang; disagreed with Liu Rengui over whether to trust surrendered Baekje leaders such as Sataek Sangyeo
• Li Ji: joined Liu Rengui in the conquest of Goguryeo in 668
• Yuan Yishi: once investigated Liu Rengui and was later recommended by him for promotion

Conflicts

• Lu Ning: zhechong commandant at Chencang whose lawlessness led Liu Rengui to beat him to death
• Li Yifu: powerful minister who used the Bi Zhengyi case to attack Liu Rengui and repeatedly tried to have him killed
• Li Jingxuan: opposed Liu Rengui's frontier proposals; Liu Rengui later recommended him to command on the Tao River front, where he was defeated by Tibetan forces
• Jiang Sizong: used by Liu Rengui and accused in a memorial of knowing about Pei Yan's rebellion without reporting it; executed by Wu Zetian

Historical Assessment

Tang and Contemporary Assessments

• Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin: “Although your office is low, you have devoted yourself completely to the state. I greatly approve what you have presented.” (Old Book of Tang, Biography of Liu Rengui)
• Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi: praised Liu Rengui's ability, promoted him exceptionally by six grades, and sent a specially sealed imperial document of commendation.
• Wei Shu: criticized Liu Rengui for indulging a private resentment and placing Li Jingxuan in an impossible position, causing defeat and disgrace to the state, questioning whether such conduct accorded with loyalty and forbearance.
• Du Yijian: “This is what is called correcting an excess by going too far in the opposite direction,” commenting on Liu Rengui's recommendation of Yuan Yishi.

Song and Yuan Periods

• The historical judgment in the Old Book of Tang states that Liu Rengui established merit through firmness and uprightness and eventually cleared himself of disgrace, but regretted that he did not assist his age through principle and allowed private resentment to lead him to recommend an unsuitable man, resulting in military defeat.
• Sima Guang's Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance records his career in detail and gives substantial attention to both the Battle of Baekgang and his administration of Baekje.

Ming and Qing Periods

• Wang Fuzhi, in Du Tongjian Lun, wrote that Liu Rengui possessed real talent but used a private grudge to place Li Jingxuan in a disastrous situation, something a gentleman should regret.
• Zhao Yi, in Notes on the Twenty-Two Histories, discussed early Tang generals and placed Liu Rengui alongside Su Dingfang and Li Ji, emphasizing how unusual it was for a scholar-official to achieve major military distinction.

Modern Assessments

• Cen Zhongmian, in History of the Sui and Tang, argued that the Battle of Baekgang terrified Wa and kept it from looking westward for centuries, and that Liu Rengui's achievement was no less than Su Dingfang's.
• Korean scholarship treats Liu Rengui as a representative figure of Tang expansion on the Korean Peninsula, while the Battle of Baekgang is regarded as a turning point in Korean history.
• Japanese scholarship has devoted substantial attention to the Battle of Baekgang, and Liu Rengui occupies an important place in studies of ancient Japan as the Tang commander who defeated the Wa navy.