Liu Qi (simplified: 刘琦, traditional: 劉琦, pinyin: Liú Qí) was the elder son of Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province. His father favoured his younger brother Liu Cong’s mother, and the succession was directed toward Liu Cong. Liu Qi feared for his safety; Zhuge Liang reportedly advised him to request a post away from the capital (the “upper room” stratagem: request to guard Jiangxia). Liu Biao sent him to Jiangxia as Inspector. When Liu Biao died in 208, Liu Cong succeeded and surrendered Jing Province to Cao Cao. Liu Bei fled south; Liu Qi joined him with his Jiangxia troops and fought alongside Liu Bei at the Battle of Red Cliffs. After the allied victory, Liu Qi was confirmed as Inspector of Jiangxia. He died in 209. His troops and territory passed to Liu Bei and Sun Quan’s sphere.
Biography
Succession dispute and Jiangxia
Liu Qi was the elder son but Liu Cong’s mother had Liu Biao’s favour. Liu Qi sought Zhuge Liang’s advice; Zhuge Liang at first declined to involve himself in family matters, then hinted that one who could not stay safely at home might seek a post abroad. Liu Qi asked his father to send him to Jiangxia; Liu Biao agreed. Liu Qi thus had a base and troops outside Xiangyang.
Alliance with Liu Bei and death
When Liu Biao died and Liu Cong surrendered to Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang fled south. Liu Qi met them with his Jiangxia forces. The combined forces fought at Red Cliffs. After the victory, Liu Qi was left as Inspector of Jiangxia (or the region was divided). He died shortly afterwards in 209; the exact circumstances are not always clear. His death removed a potential claimant to Jing Province and simplified the later dispute between Liu Bei and Sun Quan over the territory.
Legacy
Liu Qi is remembered as the elder son passed over for the succession, as the one who secured Jiangxia with Zhuge Liang’s advice, and as Liu Bei’s ally at Red Cliffs who died young.