Qiao Xuan facts for kids

Qiao Xuan (110 – 6 June 184), also known by his courtesy name Gongzu, was a very important government official in ancient China. He lived during the Eastern Han dynasty.

He grew up in a family of scholars. He started his career as a local officer and became well-known for always seeking justice. Qiao Xuan held many important jobs, like Left Commandant in Luoyang and Administrator of different areas. People knew him for being strict but also humble and respectful. He was very good at spotting talented people. He was one of the first to see the great potential in Cao Cao, who later became a powerful leader.

You might have heard of the Qiao sisters from the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. While the book says Qiao Xuan was their father, historical records show this is probably not true.

Who Was Qiao Xuan? His Family Background

Qiao Xuan was born in 110 CE, during the Eastern Han dynasty. His family lived in Suiyang County, which is now part of Shangqiu, Henan province. His family was part of the scholar-gentry, meaning they were educated and well-respected.

His ancestors had important roles in the government too. Seven generations before him, Qiao Ren was a Minister Herald. Qiao Ren was known as "Scholar Qiao" and wrote many books. Qiao Xuan's grandfather, Qiao Ji, was an Administrator in Guangling. His father, Qiao Su, was also an Administrator in Donglai.

Qiao Xuan's Early Career and Reputation for Justice

Qiao Xuan started working in his local county office. He was an Officer of Merit. One day, a high-ranking official named Zhou Jing visited. Qiao Xuan told him about some wrongdoings by Yang Chang, a leader in Chen State.

Zhou Jing asked Qiao Xuan to investigate. Qiao Xuan gathered evidence and arrested Yang Chang. A very powerful general, Liang Ji, tried to get Yang Chang released. But Qiao Xuan refused to let him go. He sent Yang Chang to the capital, Luoyang, as a prisoner. This event made Qiao Xuan very famous for his strong sense of justice.

Later, Qiao Xuan became a Left Commandant in Luoyang. His boss was Liang Buyi, who was General Liang Ji's brother. Liang Buyi made things difficult for Qiao Xuan because of the Yang Chang case. Qiao Xuan eventually quit his job and went back home.

Qiao Xuan's Mid-Career: Important Government Roles

Qiao Xuan later became the Chancellor of the Qi State. At one point, he faced a penalty and had to do hard labor. After this, he rejoined the government. He became the Administrator of Shanggu Commandery and then Hanyang Commandery.

While in Hanyang, Qiao Xuan heard that a local official, Huangfu Zhen, was misusing his power. Qiao Xuan had Huangfu Zhen arrested and punished. This action surprised many people in the region. Qiao Xuan also tried to get a famous man named Jiang Qi to join the government. Jiang Qi refused, saying he was sick. Qiao Xuan tried to force him, but other officials convinced him to stop.

Qiao Xuan then resigned due to illness. Soon after, he returned to government work as a Chief Clerk. He was later promoted to Court Architect.

Towards the end of Emperor Huan's rule, northern tribes often attacked the border. Qiao Xuan was appointed General Who Enters Liao(dong) to defend the area. He served for three years, successfully stopping the attacks and keeping the region peaceful.

When Emperor Ling began his rule, Qiao Xuan was called back to the capital. He held several high positions, including Intendant of Henan and Minister Herald. In 170 CE, he became Minister of Works and then Minister over the Masses. He saw that the Han dynasty was struggling with corruption. Feeling he couldn't fix things, he resigned due to illness.

Qiao Xuan's Later Life and Passing

In his later years, Qiao Xuan returned to government as Prefect of the Masters of Writing. He found out that Gai Sheng, a favorite of Emperor Huan, had become very rich by misusing his power. Qiao Xuan asked Emperor Ling to remove Gai Sheng from his position, but the emperor refused.

Qiao Xuan was then offered another role, Palace Attendant, but he was too ill to take it. Emperor Ling then made him a Household Counsellor. In 178 CE, he was offered the top position of Grand Commandant, but he declined it because he was sick. He remained a Household Counsellor.

Qiao Xuan passed away in 184 CE, at the age of 74.

How Qiao Xuan Changed the Law on Hostage-Taking

When Qiao Xuan's youngest son was ten years old, he was taken by three robbers. The robbers broke into Qiao Xuan's house and demanded money. Qiao Xuan refused to pay.

Government officials and soldiers surrounded the house. They were worried the robbers would hurt the boy. But Qiao Xuan bravely shouted, "These criminals are heartless! I will not let them win just to save my son!" He ordered the soldiers to go in and attack the robbers. The robbers were killed, but sadly, Qiao Xuan's son also died.

After this tragic event, Qiao Xuan asked the imperial court to make a new law. He wanted a rule that said: "Anyone who takes another person hostage should be killed. No money should be paid, so criminals cannot profit." The court agreed to this new law. Before this, hostage-taking was common, even affecting families of important officials. After Qiao Xuan's son's case, such incidents stopped happening.

Qiao Xuan's Special Connection with Cao Cao

When Cao Cao, who later became a very powerful warlord, was young and not well-known, he visited Qiao Xuan. Qiao Xuan was very impressed by him. He told Cao Cao, "The world is about to become chaotic. You are the person who will bring back peace and order!"

At that time, Qiao Xuan and another person named He Yong were the only ones who saw how talented Cao Cao was. Cao Cao often said that Qiao Xuan truly understood him. One historical record says Qiao Xuan told Cao Cao, "I have seen many famous people, but never anyone like you! You must work hard. I am old now! I hope to be able to trust my family to you." After meeting Qiao Xuan, Cao Cao's reputation grew.

After Qiao Xuan died, Cao Cao would always visit his tomb when he passed by. He would mourn and show his respect. He even wrote a special message, a eulogy, for Qiao Xuan. In it, he remembered Qiao Xuan's kindness and wisdom. He also recalled a light-hearted joke Qiao Xuan made: "After I die, if you pass by my grave and don't offer wine and a chicken, you'll get a stomachache after three steps. Don't blame me!" Cao Cao wrote that this joke showed how close they were. He felt great sadness remembering these moments.

Qiao Xuan's Family Life

One of Qiao Xuan's sons, Qiao Yu, also became an important official. He served as the Chancellor of the Rencheng State.

What People Thought of Qiao Xuan

Qiao Xuan was known for being a bit impatient and quick to act. However, he lived a very humble and simple life. He always treated people with respect. He never used his power to help his own family members get high-ranking jobs. When he died, his family didn't have much money, and he didn't have a big funeral. His humility was praised by many people at the time.

The historian Fan Ye wrote about Qiao Xuan. He said that Qiao Xuan was strong and stern in his official duties. But he also noted that Qiao Xuan was the first to recognize Cao Cao's great talent.

Qiao Xuan in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

In the famous 14th-century novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Qiao Xuan is called "Qiao Guolao," which means "State Elder Qiao." The novel says he is the father of the two Qiao sisters. He appears in a part of the story where Liu Bei marries Sun Shangxiang.

However, historical texts like the Records of the Three Kingdoms do not name the Qiao sisters' father. They just call him "Elder Qiao." Qiao Xuan died in 184 CE, but the Qiao sisters married in 200 CE. This means Qiao Xuan could not have been alive when their marriages happened. So, it's very unlikely he was their father. Also, Liu Bei's marriage in the novel happened around 209 or 210 CE, long after Qiao Xuan had passed away. So, his role in the novel is made up.

See also

• Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms