Liu Yan

Liu Yan (; died 23 AD), courtesy name Bosheng, was a Chinese general of one of the major uprisings against the Xin dynasty and its emperor, Wang Mang. Although he was militarily successful, he died early as a victim of political intrigue. His younger brother Liu Xiu, however, would eventually found the Eastern Han dynasty. Family background Liu Yan was the sixth generation descendant of Emperor Jing of the Western Han dynasty. He was the son of Liu Qin, magistrate of Nandun county. Liu Qin was the son of Liu Hui, vice governor in charge of military affairs for Julu Commandery. Liu Hui was the son of Liu Wai, governor of Yulin Commandery. Liu Wai was the son of Liu Mai, known posthumously as Marquess Jie of Chongling. Liu Mai was the son of Liu Fa, known posthumously as Prince Ding of Changsha. The prince of Changsha was a brother of Emperor Wu, a Han emperor, and also a son of Emperor Jing Liu Qi. Liu Qin was married to Fan Xiandu (樊娴都), a daughter of Fan Chong, and they had three sons: Liu Yan, Liu Zhong, and Liu Xiu. Liu Qin died early, so the brothers were raised by their uncle Liu Liang. Liu Yan was ambitious, and ever since Wang Mang usurped the Han throne in 9 AD establishing Xin Dynasty, Liu Yan was constantly considering starting a rebellion to restore the Han Dynasty. Liu Xiu, in contrast, was a careful man who was content to be a farmer. Rebellion against Xin In 22 AD, with rebellions breaking out across the empire against Wang Mang's rule, Liu Yan prepared his rebellion. He planned, along with his brothers, and Li Tong and his cousin Li Yi, to kidnap the governor for Nanyang Commandery (modern Nanyang, Henan) and call for the people of the commandery to join him. When the young men of Chongling were told about the planned rebellion, they hesitated in joining until they were told that Liu Xiu was also involved. However, the news of the planned rebellion leaked out, and Li Tong and Li Yi barely escaped with their lives (but their family was slaughtered). Liu Yan changed his plan and persuaded two branches of the Lülin, the Xinshi Force and Pinglin Force to join forces with him, and they had some military success. Encouraged, Liu Yan launched a frontal assault against Wancheng, the capital of Nanyang Commandery but suffered a major defeat. Liu Yan and Liu Xiu, along with their sister Liu Boji survived, but their brother Liu Zhong and sister Liu Yuan died in the battle.