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The powerful Xiang Yu soon controlled the whole of China, but he lacked political expertise. He divided the country into 18 feudal states to his own satisfaction. Because he promoted based on nepotism, he alienated talented people away from his cause. Althrough he believed Liu Bang to be his biggest threat, he missed several chances to eliminate Liu Bang. After five years of
Chu Han Contention with Liu Bang, he soon lost all of his territory. His suffered his last defeat in 垓下, where he lost his last armies. His beloved concubine 虞姬 committed suicide afterwards.It should be mentioned he still had a great support in his homeland, but he felt he had "no face" to return home. He committed suicide besides the river 乌江口.
His heroic death at the hands of Liu Bang has made him a cultural hero in Chinese folk tales and poetry.