Peng Yue

Peng Yue (彭越; died c. April 196 BC), courtesy name Zhong, was a Chinese military general who lived during the late Qin dynasty and early Han dynasty. He was a prominent ally of Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu), the founding emperor of the Han dynasty, during the Chu–Han Contention (206–202 BCE), a power struggle for control over China between Liu Bang and his rival Xiang Yu. During this time, he was known for using guerrilla-style tactics to perform hit-and-run raids and wear down Xiang Yu's forces. After the Han dynasty was established, Liu Bang initially rewarded Peng Yue for his contributions by making him a vassal king – King of Liang. In 196 BCE, after hearing rumours that Peng Yue was plotting against him, Liu Bang had Peng Yue arrested, demoted to the status of a commoner, and sent into exile. Later that year, Peng Yue was accused of treason and executed along with his family.