Xun Guan
Traditional Chinese荀灌
Simplified Chinese荀灌

Xun Guan (303–?) was a Chinese military general of the Jin dynasty (266–420). She was an ancient Chinese heroine who famously led a group of soldiers into battle at the age of thirteen. She is said to have broken through enemy lines to call for reinforcements and prevent the city of Wancheng (宛城; in present-day Nanyang, Henan) from falling.

Life and legacy

Xun Guan portrayed by a 11-year-old Peking opera actress during a 2015 performance in Tianchan Theatre, Shanghai, China.

Xun Guan was the daughter of Xun Song (荀崧), the Chief Controller of Jingzhou north of the Yangzi, who in turn was descended from Xun Yu, a famous adviser to the Han dynasty warlord Cao Cao.[1] The Book of Jin describes her as having an exceptional spirit since she was young.

During the 310s, Jingzhou became a contested region between Jin and its southern rebels. In 315, the rebel leader, Du Zeng, laid siege on Xun Song's base in Wancheng to capitalize on a recent victory over Jin. Defenders were few in the city, and provisions eventually declined to a point where reinforcements were required to stave off the attack. As the city was surrounded, the only option was for a party to break through enemy lines and request for help from the Administrator of Xiangcheng (襄城, in modern Xuchang, Henan), Shi Lan (石覽) and the General of the Household Gentlemen of the South, Zhou Fang. The 13 year-old Xun Guan volunteered for the task. Leading a small group of soldiers, she waited to night to climb over the city walls and penetrate the enemy lines. She and her men fought with Du Zeng's men until they escaped into the Luyang Hills (魯陽山).

Xun Guan was able to find Shi Lan and persuaded him into sending reinforcements to Wancheng. She also sent a letter written by her father to Zhou Fang requesting for assistance. Upon seeing the arrival of Zhou Fang and Shi Lan's reinforcements, Du Zeng quickly lifted the siege and retreated.[2]

References

  1. (荀崧,字景猷,潁川臨潁人,魏太尉彧之玄孫也。) Jin Shu, vol.75
  2. (荀崧小女灌,幼有奇節。崧為襄城太守,為杜曾所圍,力弱食盡,欲求救于故吏平南將軍石覽,計無從出。灌時年十三,乃率勇士數千人,逾城突圍夜出。賊追甚急,灌督厲將士,且戰且前,得入魯陽山獲免。自詣覽乞師,又為崧書與南中郎將周訪請援,仍結為兄弟,訪即遣子撫率三千人會石覽俱救崧。賊聞兵至,散走,灌之力也。) Jin Shu, vol.96
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