Li Yiji

Li Yiji (酈食其; Lì Yìjī; 268–204 BC) was a Chinese scholar who served as an adviser to Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu), the founding emperor of the Han dynasty. He is best known for helping Liu Bang gain control of Chenliu (present-day Kaifeng, Henan) during the rebellions towards the end of the Qin dynasty (c. 209–206 BC), and for advising Liu Bang to seize Aocang (in present-day Xingyang, Henan) during the Chu–Han Contention (206–202 BC). In 204 BC, Liu Bang sent him as an emissary to persuade Tian Guang, the King of Qi, to surrender. Li Yiji was initially successful, but was boiled alive by Tian Guang after the latter thought he had tricked him to buy time for Liu Bang's general Han Xin to attack Qi.