Liu An

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Líu Ān (Chinese: 劉安, 179 - 122 BC) was an advisor to his nephew Emperor Wu of Han (武帝) China and the legendary inventor of tofu.

Noted for his literary ability, Liu An was reputed to be able to compose an elaborate prose after he woke up and finish it before breakfast. He was a grandson of the founding Han (漢朝) emperor Liu Bang (劉邦), he became the King of Huainan (literally "south of the Huai River"), at the age of 16 after his father, Liu Chang (劉長) died. In a fate similar to his father, he committed suicide after a failed coup attempt.

In addition to composing literary pieces himself, Liu An also frequently invited other scholars as guests to his estate. Eight scholars in particular became known as the Eight Immortals of Huainan (淮南八仙). Together, these scholars and Liu An published a treatise known as the "Huainan Philosophers" (淮南子, pinyin: Huainanzi).