Xun Yue, courtesy name Zhongyu, was a Chinese historian, philosopher, and politician of the Eastern Han dynasty of China.
13 Facts About Xun Yue
1.
2.
Xun Yue's grandfather, Xun Shu, was an official who served as the Prefect of Langling County and as the Chancellor to the Marquis of Langling County.
3.
Xun Yue was known for being studious and academically inclined since childhood.
4.
Xun Yue claimed that he was in poor health and led a life of seclusion.
5.
Only his younger cousin, Xun Yue Yu, treated him respectfully and regarded him highly.
6.
Xun Yue was later promoted to a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.
7.
Xun Yue was further promoted to Custodian of the Private Library and Palace Attendant.
8.
The Australian sinologist Rafe de Crespigny pointed out that when Xun Yue advocated for the need to rely on good officials rather than the vagaries of individual rulers, he could almost be seen as approaching a view of constitutional monarchy.
9.
Xun Yue found Ban Gu's Book of Han, which covered the history of the Western Han dynasty, very complicated and difficult to read.
10.
Xun Yue thus ordered Xun Yue to write another version of the Book of Han in the style of the Zuo Zhuan, a commentary on the historical text Spring and Autumn Annals.
11.
Xun Yue did as instructed, and completed and presented 13 chapters of the historical text Annals of Han in 200 CE.
12.
In recognition of his contributions, Xun Yue was promoted to a Master of Writing and awarded an ink brush and a scroll.
13.
Xun Yue wrote numerous chapters in other books such as Chongde and Zhenglun.