Du Yan, courtesy name Zhili, posthumously known as Duke Xiang of Anji, was a Chinese official who served as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Taizong in the Tang dynasty.
12 Facts About Du Yan
1.
2.
Du Yan's more famous nephew, Du Ruhui, was a chancellor.
3.
Du Yan's grandfather Du Ye was a provincial governor for Sui's predecessor state Northern Zhou, and his father Du Zheng was a commandery governor for Northern Zhou.
4.
Later, probably after a general pardon, Du Yan was able to return to Chang'an.
5.
Du Ruhui's older brother and younger brother Du Chuke were at Luoyang at that time, under Zheng rule.
6.
Du Yan had poor relations with his nephews, and he decided to act against them.
7.
Du Yan falsely accused them before Wang, and Wang executed Du Ruhui's older brother and imprisoned Du Chuke.
8.
Du Chuke pointed out that while Du Yan was responsible for their older brother's death, he was an uncle.
9.
Du Yan apparently became a minor official in the imperial administration, but was not promoted.
10.
Du Yan considered creating Li Shimin crown prince instead to replace Li Jiancheng.
11.
Du Yan exiled Wang, Du, and Wei to Xi Prefecture.
12.
Du Yan was discordant with Zhangsun Wuji, and his reputation suffered.