Fan Kuai

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Fan Kuai (樊噲)^[1] (d. 204 BC) was one of Han Dynasty founder Liu Bang's best friends (and was also his brother-in-law), having married the sister of Liu Bang's wife Lü Zhi, Lü Xu (呂須). He was Liu's bodyguard. He came from the same Pei region like Liu Bang and was the local butcher at their home town; one of his specialties was dog meat.

Fan become well known for his role protecting Liu during the assassination attempt in Feast at Hong Gate. When he heard that Fan Zeng, Xiang Yu's key advisor, planned to kill Liu Bang, he rushed in the tent fully dressed in armour and sword. Xiang admired Fan Kuai's bravery and gave him a pig ear and a jar of wine, Fan using his shield as a plate began to eat and drink. Xiang was further impressed. Fan then gave a lengthy speech about Liu's accomplishments and how it would be unjust for Xiang to kill him, but also implicitly confirming that Liu would not challenge Xiang's authority. Xiang did not respond but invited Fan Kuai to join the table. Fan Kuai sat next to Zhang Liang, and they planned an escape. When Liu went to the latrine, Fan accompanied him and urged him to leave; Liu felt it would be rude to take such a French leave, but Fan Kuai boldly said, "They are about to serve us to dinner! It is better to preserve your own life!" They therefore left in secret.

Fan Kuai was created the Marquess of Wuyang for his accomplishments after the Chu-Han Contention. After his death in 204 BC, his son Fan Kang (樊伉) by his wife Lü Xu inherited his title. When Lü was executed in the aftermaths of the Lü Clan Disturbance in 180 BC, Fan Kang was also killed. However, several months later, Emperor Wen created another son of Fan's, not Lü's son, Fan Shiren (樊市人) to inherit the title.