Helian Bobo, the founding emperor of the …

Years: 425 - 425

Helian Bobo, the founding emperor of the Chinese/Xiongnu state Xia, is generally considered to be an extremely cruel ruler, one who has betrayed every benefactor that he had, and whose thirst for killing is excessive even for his turbulent times.

He has built an impressive capital for his state at Tongwan (modern Yulin, Shaanxi) that will resist siege even hundreds of years later during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period.

Traditional historians, who may have had a reason to exaggerate, write of Helian Bobo, “He was arrogant and cruel, treating the people like wild plants and mustard greens.

He often climbed up towers with bows and arrows, and whenever he had a sudden thought of distrust, dislike, or anger at a person, he would kill that person personally.

If any of his officials looked at him in a gazing manner, he would gouge out their eyes.

Anyone who laughed frivolously would have their lips sliced open with knives.

Anyone who dared to offer a contrary opinion would first have his tongue cut out and then head cut off.”

For reasons not now known, Helian Bobo decides in 424 to depose Crown Prince Gui and create another son, Helian Lun, the Duke of Jiuquan, crown prince.

Upon hearing this news, Helian Gui commands his troops north from Chang'an and attacks Helian Lun.

Their forces meet at Gaoping, and Helian Gui defeats and kills Helian Lun.

However, Helian Lun's brother Helian Chang then makes a surprise attack on Helian Gui, killing him and seizing his troops, leading them back to Tongwan.

A pleased Helian Bobo creates Helian Chang crown prince.

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