actress during a 2015 performance in
Tianchan Theatre,
Shanghai, China. Xun Guan was the daughter of Xun Song (; 263?-329?), 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. 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 southern rebel groups. 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 (, in modern
Xuchang, Henan), Shi Lan () 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 (). 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. ==References==