36 Facts About Murong Han

Murong Han, courtesy name Yuanyong, was a Xianbei military general of the Former Yan dynasty during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

Murong Han was an accomplished commander under his father, Murong Hui, and was most known for his victory over the Yuwen tribe in the Battle of Jicheng in 319.

Murong Han was a vital figure in the early years of Former Yan as he played roles in the state's success against Goguryeo and the Yuwen.

Murong Han was born the eldest son of the Xianbei chieftain, Murong Hui through a concubine.

Murong Han had ape-like arms and was an exceptional archer who wielded a bow weighing over 3 shi and used arrows that were longer than usual.

Murong Han followed his father on numerous military campaigns and eventually became his General of Hawkish Display.

In 311, Murong Han advised his father to campaign against the rebels, arguing that they would bring order and win the support of the people in the region while absorbing the rebels' armies.

Murong Han added that their actions would present their loyalty to the ruling Jin dynasty and at the same time bring personal gains for their territory.

However, after the Tuoba general, Tuoba Liuxiu, was defeated by the Duan, Murong Han halted the campaign and withdrew to Tuhe, where he utilized its natural defences and remained for several years.

In 319, the Jin Inspector of Pingzhou, Cui Bi was unsettled by Murong Han Hui's growing influence in Liaodong and conspired with Goguryeo, the Duan and the Yuwen tribe to launch a punitive expedition.

Murong Han Hui managed to make Goguryeo and the Duan retreat by sowing discord among their ranks, but the leader of the Yuwen, Yuwen Xiduguan, remained steadfast in his intention to conquer Jicheng and placed the city under siege.

However, Murong Han sent an envoy rejecting his order, instead insisting that he operate outside of Jicheng to attack the enemy from two sides.

Hui was initially unsure with the plan, but after some convincing from his official, Han Shou, he agreed to allow Murong Han to remain at Tuhe.

Murong Han sent a separate dispatchment to carry out a surprise attack on Murong Han, but upon learning that the enemy was approaching him, Han sent his subordinates disguised as envoys of the Duan to meet with the Yuwen forces.

Once the Yuwen army appeared, Murong Han launched a surprised attack and captured many of their troops.

At that time, Murong Han, leading a thousand cavalry, had already stationed himself behind the enemy camp.

Murong Han was known for comforting the people and favoring Confucianism, and it was said that no one, from scholars to soldiers, refused to follow him.

Murong Han's influence was significant, and Goguryeo did not dare carry out further raids under his watch.

In Murong Han's case, although he was an illegitimate child, he had an exceptional reputation and was backed by the local gentry.

Murong Han knew about his brother's jealousy towards him and became worried that harm would come to him.

In 334, Murong Han followed Duan Liao's brother, Duan Lan, to attack the Murong stronghold of Liucheng.

Duan Lan saw through his excuse and attempted to assure him his tribe's safety, but Murong Han persisted by ordering his troops to withdraw, forcing Duan Lan to follow suit.

In 338, Shi Hu of the Later Zhao and Murong Han Huang began a joint campaign to conquer Liaoxi from the Duan.

Duan Lan, who was nearby, angrily accused Murong Han of planning to undermine the Duan as he previously did at Liucheng and refused to listen to his plan.

Murong Han, not wanting to garner anymore suspicion, pretended to be mad and drink in excess.

Murong Huang, who had become the Prince of Yan in 338, knew that Han had not fled intending to rebel against him, but due to his own suspicions.

When Murong Han saw the merchant, he did not say a word, but only hit his own chest and nodded.

Murong Han advised Huang to send the main force down the southern route to catch the enemy by surprise, as Goguryeo would likely expect an invading army to go through the northern route and concentrate their forces there.

Murong Han added that they send smaller force down the northern route to act as a distraction before falling back.

Murong Han greatly routed the Yuwen army, forcing Moqian Hun to barely escape with his life while capturing all the enemy troops.

In 344, Murong Huang began his conquest of the Yuwen tribe, with Murong Han serving as the vanguard general.

Huang sent a messenger to Murong Han warning him of Sheyegan's capabilities, but Murong Han believed that defeating a key general will cause the rest of the Yuwen tribe's forces to collapse.

Murong Han added that he was familiar with Sheyegan and knew that his reputation was merely based on rumours.

Murong Han led a frontal assault against Sheyegan and enticed him to advance.

However, a witness spotted him riding, and they reported what they saw to Murong Huang, believing that Han was secretly faking his illness and plotting something devious.

Murong Han had at least two sons, but only one son, Murong Gou, was recorded.