Life
Reviving the Jin dynasty
Qu Yun was born in a prestigious gentry family in Jincheng Commandery in modern-dayBattles with Liu Yao
When news of Emperor Huai's execution reached Chang'an in 313, Sima Ye ascended the throne and was known as Emperor Min. As new emperor, he appointed Qu Yun as Deputy Director of the Left of the Masters of Writing, General Who Leads The Army, Credential Bearer, Colonel of Western Rong Tribes, and chief of affairs of the Masters of Writing. Shortly after, the Han emperor, Liu Cong ordered his generals, Liu Yao andDefeat and death
Liu Yao pressed into Chang'an that same year. Emperor Min's generals were called to camp at Bashang (霸上, located east of Xi'an) to defend but none of them dared to come. Sima Bao sent his general Hu Song (胡崧) to help but, despite routing Liu Yao on his way, decided to turn back as he did not trust Qu Yun and Suo Chen. Liu Yao arrived at Chang'an and forced Qu Yun and Suo Chen to fall back into the inner city. The situation in Chang'an was severe as food supplies were being cut off from the city due to the siege. The prices of food rose sharply and many resorted to cannibalism while others deserted their post. The Imperial Warehouse had so little food that Qu Yun only had gruel to present to the emperor for him to eat. With no food and reinforcements, Emperor Min decided to surrender to Liu Yao, lamenting, "It is Lord Qu and Lord Suo who have so mismanaged our affairs!" Emperor Min and his officers were sent to Pingyang to face Liu Cong. When Emperor Min bowed in submission before Liu Cong, Qu Yun prostrated himself and wailed. Liu Cong was angered by this and ordered Qu Yun to be imprisoned. While in prison, Qu Yun killed himself. Liu Cong was impressed by Qu's loyalty, so he posthumously appointed Qu as General of Chariots and Cavalry and named him "Marquis Jiemin (節愍侯)".(帝至平陽,為劉聰所幽辱,允伏地號哭不能起。聰大怒,幽之於獄,允發憤自殺。聰嘉其忠烈,贈車騎將軍,諡節湣侯。) Book of Jin, Volume 89References