Han Liu Xiang, whose name is prefixed with “Han,” generally refers to Liu Xiang, a scholar of the Western Han dynasty. Publicly available information on his life and native place is limited, so no speculation is offered here. The existing records show only one work under his name, Shang Mou Shang (Excellent Stratagems, Part One), commonly classified as a historical reader. It can therefore be understood as a historical work on strategy, focusing on the planning and decision-making of historical figures and events and offering readers insight into ancient political, military, and practical wisdom. Because material for a full author biography is insufficient, it is difficult to describe his scholarly background and complete writings. Readers may instead focus on the work itself: reading Shang Mou Shang against its historical background, appreciating its combination of narrative and commentary, and considering the lessons its strategic stories offer later generations.
