evidence that convinced Liu Cong as well. In spring 317, Liu Can finally readied his plan to eliminate his uncle Crown Prince Ai. He falsely informed Crown Prince Ai that Pingyang was under attack and that his subordinates should arm themselves to prepare for the attack. Then, Liu Can informed his father that Crown Prince Ai was ready to attack—and when Liu Cong's messengers then saw Crown Prince's associates armed, they believed Liu Can's accusations and reported back to Liu Cong. Liu Can then further interrogated Crown Prince Ai's subordinate Di and Qiang chiefs (whom Crown Prince Ai commanded, based on his secondary title of Grand Chanyu) under torture, and the Di and Qiang chiefs were forced to falsely confess to a plot. Crown Prince Ai's associates and troops were all massacred—estimated at the cost of 15,000 men—and Crown Prince Ai was deposed and subsequently assassinated by Jin. When Di and Qiang tribes subsequently revolted due to the treatment of their chiefs, Liu Cong sent Jin to suppress them, and Jin was successful. In fall 317, Liu Cong created Liu Can crown prince. Reign Liu Cong died in summer 318, and Liu Can ascended the throne. He created his wife, Crown Princess Jin, empress, and his son Liu Yuangong (劉元公) crown prince. He became sorely reliant on his father-in-law Jin Zhun, trusting him over all others, including his brothers. He also indulged in affairs with his father's four empresses—Jin Zhun's daughter Jin Yuehua (靳月華) and Empresses Fan, Xuan, and Wang, leaving all affairs of state to Jin. At Jin's suggestion, he arrested and executed his brothers Liu Ji (劉驥), Liu Cheng (劉逞), Liu Mai, along with key officials Liu Jing (劉景) and Liu Yi (劉顗). He further considered attacking the domain of the general Shi Le, who controlled the eastern realm, believing Shi to be treasonous. Meanwhile, after Liu Can killed those high-level officials, the trusted Jin started a coup and killed Liu Can, and then massacred the imperial Liu clan. Liu Yao would claim the Han (Zhao) throne (Heaven King of Han), but Han (Zhao) would not be what it was after Liu Can's death. Personal information Father Liu Cong (Emperor Zhaowu) Mother Empress Huyan Wife Empress Jin (created 318) Children Liu Yuangong (劉元公), the Crown Prince (created 318) References Book of Jin, vol. 102. Book of Wei, vol. 95. Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 87, 88, 89, 90. 4th-century Chinese