17 Facts About Xun Xian

Xun Xian, courtesy name Lingze, was a Chinese military general of the Jin dynasty.

Xun Xian was the son of Xun Song and the brother of the heroine, Xun Guan.

However, Xun Xian was not interested and ran far away to avoid the marriage.

Xun Xian went on to serve in the Court of the Palace Library, and held the offices of Prefect of Yixing and Chu Pou's Chief Clerk.

In 350, Xun Xian was involved in an affair between the Jin court and the prominent minister, Cai Mo.

Coincidentally, Xun Xian arrived at court just as the issue was going on, so Yin Hao asked for his opinion.

Xun Xian accompanied Yin Hao in his northern expedition in 352 together with Xie Shang.

Xun Xian camped at Langye, where he refused to advance as he feared the Yan forces' strength.

Xun Xian attacked the Yan general, Wang Teng at Yangdu, where he captured and executed him.

When Yan general Murong Lan camped at Biancheng, Xun Xian routed and killed him.

In 358, Xun Xian grew ill, so he had Chi Tan to serve as his director of the Army.

Xun Xian immediately led out his troops to fight and, Jia Jian found himself greatly outnumbering him.

Xun Xian was only able to get the upper hand after surrounding his entire city, and later managed to seize him following days of intense battle.

Xun Xian offered him to go back to Jin, but Jia Jian refused.

Xun Xian did not hold Shanshi for long, as Yue Ming defeated him and retook the city for Yan.

Xun Xian died the following year at the young age of 38.

Xun Xian was posthumously appointed General of Agile Cavalry and his death and that of Wang Qia were lamented by Emperor Mu of Jin.