Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: After defeating the great King , Xiang Yu , Emperor Gaozu of Han unified China and became the first emperor of Han Dynasty .
Simplified: He was also granted the title of `` King of Han '' by Xiang Yu , when the latter split the former Qin empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms . Liu was known by this title before becoming Emperor of China .