Peng Yue
Waged guerrilla raids on supply lines behind the Chu army, helping Liu Bang win the Chu–Han War; later falsely accused and killed by Empress Lü.
Life
Fisherman of Juye
Peng Yue was a native of Changyi who often fished in the Juye Marsh and gathered a band of followers as outlaws. At the end of the Qin he rose in revolt and later submitted to Liu Bang.
Guerrilla raids on supply lines
During the Chu–Han Contention he waged guerrilla warfare in the Liang region, repeatedly cutting Xiang Yu's supply lines and leaving Xiang Yu unable to cover both his front and rear; he was one of the key forces behind Liu Bang's victory. Before the Battle of Gaixia he brought his army to join the combined forces, and Xiang Yu was defeated.
When the hare dies, the hound is cooked
After the Han dynasty was founded he was made King of Liang. In 196 BCE he was accused of plotting rebellion, and Liu Bang reduced him to a commoner, but Empress Lü persuaded Liu Bang to kill him to prevent future trouble, and he and his clan to the third degree were wiped out.
Legacy
Peng Yue is called one of the fathers of guerrilla warfare, and his end, like those of Han Xin and Ying Bu, epitomizes the tragedies of the founding officials of Han.
Major works & achievements
- Cut Xiang Yu's supply lines
Did you know? He, Han Xin and Ying Bu are together known as the three great generals of the early Han.
Key dates
- 209 BCERose up against Qin
- 204 BCEGuerrilla raids in the Liang region, cutting Chu's supply lines
- 202 BCEJoined forces at Gaixia
- 202 BCEMade King of Liang
- 196 BCEFalsely accused and killed by Empress Lü