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Life
After Emperor Huan ascended to the throne, Liu Kai inherited the title of Marquis of Liwu. In July 147 AD, Bo Hai Xiao Wang Liu Hong died without a son. Empress Dowager Liang enfeoffed Liu Kai as the King of Bohai to continue the sacrifices for Liu Hong and serve as his successor.
Later, Liu Kai indulged in debauchery and committed many illegal acts. Shi Bi, the Commander of the Northern Army, was concerned that Liu Kai might plot a rebellion and thus submitted a memorial to Emperor Huan, suggesting that Emperor Huan should mildly punish Liu Kai to prevent him from committing greater crimes in the future. However, Emperor Huan, being a close blood relative (same father, same mother) to Liu Kai, could not bear to follow Shi Bi's advice.
In January 165 AD, Liu Kai was captured due to his failed plot of treason. Officials submitted a memorial to Emperor Hán, requesting that Liu Kai be demoted to a commoner. However, Emperor Hán could not bear it and only demoted him to the King of Yingtang Yingtang Wang. Yingtang was a small county in Julu Commandery, resulting in a significant reduction in Liu Kai's fiefdom. Emperor Hán also appointed Qiao Xuan, who was known for his strict supervision, as the Governor of Julu. Fearful of Qiao Xuan's strict law enforcement, Liu Kai reined himself in and ceased his illegal activities.
Later, after Qiao Xuan had been reassigned, Liu Kai regretted his past misdeeds and the significant reduction in his fiefdom. He sought help from the eunuch Wang Fu to plead with Emperor Hán. If he could restore his original fiefdom, he promised to give Wang Fu 50 million coins as a reward. In December 167 AD, Emperor Hán issued an edict restoring Liu Kai's title as King of Bohai. Liu Kai believed this was due to his brother's own will and not Wang Fu's efforts, so he did not give Wang Fu the money. Consequently, Wang Fu became very angry and began to secretly look for faults in Liu Kai. In 172 AD, Wang Fu falsely accused Liu Kai of plotting treason. Liu Kai was imprisoned by Emperor Ling of Han and committed suicide. His eleven concubines, seventy children, and twenty-four female entertainers all died in prison. The King's tutor, the King's chief minister, and other officials were executed by the court for failing to properly guide Bohai Wang Liu Kai. Many people pitied Liu Kai.
Liu Kai's consort, Lady Song, was the aunt of Empress Xiao Ling (Empress Song). Empress Song was also indirectly implicated in the Liu Kai incident, falsely accused, deposed, and ultimately met a tragic end.
References
• 劉悝 (Chinese)
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Liu Kai (2nd century - 172 AD), the brother of Emperor Huan of Han, was the son of Liu Yi, the Marquis of Liwu Liu Yi.