Han Xuan

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Han Xuan

韓玄

韩玄

Transliterations

Han Xuan (151-210) was governor of Changsha during the Han dynasty and Three Kingdoms era in China. He served under Liu Biao, governor of Jingzhou, for three years. After Liu Biao's death, the northern portion of the Jing province was divided between two of Liu Biao's sons, Liu Qi and Liu Cong. The southern portion was divided between four governors, Zhao Fan, Jin Xuan, Liu Du and Han Xuan. Eventually, Changsha became an independent region under Han Xuan, and his land remained undisturbed by the other kingdom leaders for two years. Then in (c. 210 AD), Liu Bei invaded the Jing province, capturing all the land from their leaders.

The taking of Changsha was dramatized in the Romance of Three Kingdoms, in which a series of fictional events were created by the author, including: When Liu Bei sent Guan Yu to take Chengsha, Han Xuan sent out his greatest general, Huang Zhong to defend it. They fought to a draw in two duels, and the third time Huang Zhong was ordered to strike Guan Yu with an arrow. He intentionally struck Guan Yu's helmet, which was seen as an act of betrayal by Han Xuan, who then ordered Huang Zhong put to death. Han Xuan would never get a chance to complete this task, as he was slain by Wei Yan shortly afterwards.

In reality, none of these had never happened. Instead, it was Huang Zhong who strongly recommanded to Han Xuan to surrender to Liu Bei, which Han Xuan did, and thus saving many civilian lives that would be lost if there was any battles. Both Han Xuan and Huang Zhong begun their service for Liu Bei after their surrender and rose in ranks. Contrary to what was depicted in the novel where Han Xuan was killed by rebelling civilians who hated him, in reality, Han Xuan was a governor loved by his people, who built worship hall for him which still stands today in Changsha, after being destroyed and rebuilt many times.