The Nanyue Kingdom was a brief but unique political power in Chinese history, founded by Zhao Tuo. However, there is a rather twists and turns story in historical records about how Zhao Tuo became the monarch of the Nanyue Kingdom. According to the "Biographies of the Nanyue Kingdom" in the "Records of the Grand Historian", Ren Xiao chose Zhao Tuo as his heir after establishing the Nanyue Kingdom. So, why did Ren Xiao pass the throne to Zhao Tuo? This article will explore this issue.

Ren Xiao was a general of the Qin Dynasty. During the period of civil unrest at the end of the Qin Dynasty, he led his troops southward and occupied the Lingnan region (now Guangdong and Guangxi). In order to consolidate his rule, Ren Xiao established the Nanyue Kingdom in 203 BC and called himself "King Wu of Nanyue". However unlike, other emperors, Ren Xiao did not pass the throne to his descendants, but chose Zhao Tuo as his heir.

Zhao Tuo was Ren Xiao's deputy general and also a capable leader with military talent. During Ren Xiao's southward expedition to Lingnan, Zhao Tuo held important military positions. He not only participated in the command of many battles, but also demonstrated excellent military talent and leadership skills in war. Therefore, Ren Xiao saw Zhao Tuo's talent and potential and decided to pass the throne of the Nanyue Kingdom to him.

In addition to Zhao Tuo's personal talent, there were deeper reasons why Ren Xiao passed the throne to him. First, Ren Xiao hoped to stabilize the political situation of the Nanyue Kingdom by passing the throne to Zhao Tuo. At that time, the Nanyue Kingdom had just been established, and the political situation was not stable. Ren Xiao was worried that if the throne was passed to his descendants, it might trigger internal struggles for power. As a capable general, Zhao Tuo was more likely to gain the support of other generals and officials, thus ensuring the political stability of the Nanyue Kingdom.

Secondly, Ren Xiao also considered the relationship between the Nanyue Kingdom and the Central Plains dynasty. At that time, the Han Dynasty had been established and had an increasing influence on the surrounding areas. Ren Xiao hoped that the Nanyue Kingdom could maintain friendly relations with the Han Dynasty and avoid war. As a general with military talent, Zhao Tuo could better handle relations with the Han Dynasty and safeguard the interests of the Nanyue Kingdom.

In summary, Ren Xiao chose Zhao Tuo as the heir of the Nanyue Kingdom for various reasons. Zhao Tuo's personal talent, political wisdom, and relationship with the Central Plains dynasty became important reasons for Ren Xiao to pass the throne to him. This history not only reflects the complexity of ancient political inheritance, but also provides us with an opportunity to deeply understand history.

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