Shi Le

Shi Le (274–333), courtesy name Shilong, formally Emperor Ming of (Later) Zhao, is the founding emperor of the Chinese/Jie state Later Zhao.

At a young age, he is sold as a slave by Jin officials, but he later helps start a rebellion and eventually becomes a powerful general for the Xiongnu state Han Zhao, conquering most of northern China in Han Zhao's name but holding the territory under his own control.

In 319, after a dispute with the Han Zhao emperor Liu Yao, he breaks away from Han Zhao and forms his own state, Later Zhao, and in 329 he captures Liu Yao and conquers Han Zhao, adding western China to his empire as well.

Shi Le is known as a brilliant general, but is criticized by historians for excessive cruelty during his campaigns.

He also puts too much power in the hands of his ambitious and even more ferocious nephew Shi Hu who, after Shi Le's death, seizes power from Shi Le's son Shi Hong.

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