12 Facts About Yin Kaishan

Yin Kaishan became popular at a young age because of his outstanding skills in writing and calligraphy.

Yin Kaishan served as the county magistrate in Taigu and Shi'ai counties during the Sui dynasty.

When Li Yuan, the later Emperor Gaozu of Tang, rebelled against Sui dynasty in Jinyang in 617, Yin Kaishan joined the rebellion force.

Yin Kaishan took part in campaigns against Xue Ju, a warlord based in Jincheng, and Liu Wuzhou, a warlord based in northern Shanxi.

However, in the next battle against Xue Ju's son Xue Renguo, Yin Kaishan made major contributions, so he was promoted back to his old position after the war.

Yin Kaishan assisted Qin Shubao in the battle and forced Yuchi Jingde, a top warrior serving for Liu Wuzhou, to surrender to Tang.

In 619, Yin Kaishan was appointed to be the minister in the Ministry of Personnel.

Yin Kaishan was given a title of Duke of Xun by Emperor Gaozu of Tang after the campaign to award his contributions.

In 622, Yin Kaishan died on the way to Hebei to fight against the rebel Liu Heita.

In folk stories, Yin Kaishan was regarded as one of the four guards to protect Li Shimin when he was the Prince of Qin.

Yin Kaishan is a descendant of the Yin clan from Chen Prefecture, which was one of the powerful clans during the Southern dynasties.

However, his nephew Yin Yuan was considered as his son after the formal adoption to succeed his title of nobility.