[ Younger brother of Xun Yu. Advised Han Fu on administration. Later served Yuan Shao.
Officer Details
Wade-Giles: Hsün Ch‘ên (Yu-jo)
Simplified Chinese: 荀谌 (友若)
Pronunciation: Xun2 Chen2 (You3ruo4)
Birthplace: Yingchuan
Other Names: Xun Shen, Xun Chang
Name Notes: Xun Chen’s name is misrepresented in numerous sources, including: Pinyin Brewitt-Taylor chapter 7 as Xun Chang, chapters 22 and 26 as Xun Shen; Moss Roberts chapter 7 as Xun Chan, chapters 22 and 26 as Xun Shen; Zizhi Tongjian as Xun Shen. And in hoards of sites and games. You will see these mistakes wherever you see the 諶 character.
Family and Relationships
Xun Shu (Grandfather); Xun Gan (Father); Xun Kun (Mother); Xun Yu, Xun You, Xun Yi, Xun Can (Brothers); Xun Shang, and six others (Uncle); Xun Han, Xun Kai (Nephews)
Fact vs. Fiction
Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction
- Xun Chen was sent to persuade Han Fu to split power by Yuan Shao, he was not an officer of Han Fu.
Literary Appearances
Sanguozhi: Wei 6
Hou Han shu: 74
Search Results
- Xun Chan, Xun Shen, Xun Chen—Ahhh!
- Date:
12/06Replies:14
Biography
When Yuan Shao warned Han Fu about the threat of Gongsun Zan, Han Fu asked Xun Chen for his advice. Xun Chen claimed that they could not stand against Gongsun Zan’s large army so advised that Han Fu should ask Yuan Shao for assistance in running the region and that Han Fu would be treated generously. Han Fu accepted his advice and would end up losing his power to Yuan Shao’s vassals.
When Yuan Shao’s four main advisors where split on whether to support Liu Bei’s attack on Cao Cao then or to wait a few months, Yuan Shao asked Xun what he thought. Xun Chen argued in favour of attacking Cao Cao immediately due to Yuan Shao’s superior numbers and was appointed military advisor.