Xiao He vs Zhang Liang

After Liu Bang established the Han dynasty, he appointed Xiao He as his prime minister. Xiao He was responsible for organizing the civil administration, collecting taxes, and supplying the army during the Chu-Han Contention.

Xiao He recognized the military talent of Han Xin and recommended him to Liu Bang, who appointed Han Xin as general. Han Xin's subsequent victories were crucial to Liu Bang's victory in the Chu-Han Contention.

Xiao He compiled the Han legal code, known as the Nine Chapters on Law, based on the Qin code but with modifications to reduce harshness. This code provided the legal foundation for the Han dynasty and influenced later Chinese law.

Xiao He oversaw the construction of the Weiyang Palace in Chang'an, the new Han capital. The palace became the political center of the Han empire and symbolized the dynasty's power and legitimacy.

Zhang Liang attempted to assassinate Qin Shi Huang at Bolangsha. He recruited a strongman to hurl a heavy iron mallet at the emperor's carriage, but it struck the decoy carriage. Zhang Liang escaped and went into hiding, gaining fame for his daring act.

Zhang Liang met Liu Bang, future founder of the Han dynasty, and became his chief strategist. He advised Liu Bang on military tactics and political alliances, helping him navigate the chaotic period after the fall of the Qin dynasty.

At the Feast at Hongmen, Zhang Liang advised Liu Bang to act submissively toward Xiang Yu, preventing an immediate attack. This diplomatic maneuver allowed Liu Bang to survive a deadly trap and later consolidate power against Xiang Yu.

Zhang Liang devised the strategy that led to the decisive Han victory at Gaixia. His plan involved surrounding Xiang Yu's forces and using psychological warfare, including songs from Chu to demoralize the enemy. Xiang Yu committed suicide, ending the Chu-Han Contention.

After the Han dynasty was established, Zhang Liang retired from active politics, claiming illness and a desire to pursue Daoist immortality practices. He refused high offices, avoiding the purges that eliminated many other founding contributors.