Li Liu

Li Liu (; 248–303), courtesy name Xuantong (玄通), posthumously named King Wen of Qin (秦文王), was a general under Li Te and one of the spiritual founders of Cheng-Han during the Sixteen Kingdoms period. He was his brother's general during his war with Luo Shang in Yizhou. After Li Te was killed in an ambush in 303, Li Liu was hastily chosen by Te's followers as his successor. He saved Li Te's army from destruction during the aftermath of his death but later decided to have his nephew, Li Xiong handle military responsibilities. Li Liu died in 303, just a few months before Cheng-Han's creation in 304. Despite succeeding Li Te first, he never granted himself an imperial title nor introduced a new reign era. Furthermore, due to being his uncle, Li Xiong only posthumously honoured him as a king and not an emperor in 306. Service under Li Xiáng and Li Te Li Liu was the fourth son of Li Mu and the younger brother of Li Te. His family was originally from Baxi Commandery (巴西郡; around present-day Langzhong, Sichuan) but moved to Qinzhou (秦州, modern eastern Gansu) and assimilated with the Di people. He was talented from a young age, earning the respect of the Colonel of Eastern Qiang tribes He Pan, who made Li Liu his Director. In 296, A Di chieftain named Qi Wannian rebelled around Li Liu's home, coinciding with a terrible famine and military occupation. Li Liu followed his brother to their ancestral home in Yizhou to escape the turmoil in the north. In 300, Li Liu's other brother, Li Xiáng joined a rebellion led by Zhao Xin against the Jin dynasty (266–420) in Yizhou. Li Liu followed suit and gathered his own men to join his brother. However, Zhao Xin would kill Li Xiáng out of jealousy the following year. Zhao Xin sent messengers to console Li Liu and Li Te about their loss, but they only grew enraged. The two brothers led troops to Chengdu to avenge Li Xiáng, forcing Zhao Xin to flee from the province. Li Te was now in control of Yizhou but with Jin forces led by Luo Shang heading his way, he decided to establish friendly relationships. Li Liu was tasked in sending oxen and wine to Luo Shang at Mianzhu, which were accepted. For his efforts in putting down Zhao Xin, Li Liu was made General Who Exerts Valor.