Yan Zhenqing

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Yan Zhenqing (顏真卿; 709 – 784) was a Chinese calligrapher, military general, and politician loyal to the Tang dynasty. He was the cousin of Yan Gaoqing, whose son was Yan Jiming, and Jiming would refer to him as "Thirteenth Uncle".

He originally held a position at the imperial capital of Chang'an, but he ran afoul of Prime Minister Yang Guozhong and was consequently demoted to the post of Grand Protector of Pingyuan Commander.

Early in the An-Shi Rebellion, Gaoqing and Jiming organized a loyalist army to combat An Lushan's forces, but they suffered a major defeat in 756 and were executed in Luoyang once that city fell to the rebels. Their deaths spurred Zhenqing to receive the Assassin Li E in Pingyuan, vowing to renew his family's alliance with him against An Lushan. He thereupon became the alliance leader of the Hebei Righteous Army (河北義軍), and their combined efforts helped to turn the tide and save the Tang.

In 758, still grieving over Jiming's demise, Zhenqing composed "Draft of a Requiem to My Nephew" (《祭侄文稿》), which became one of his most celebrated works.

Behind the scenes

Yan Zhenqing is a historical figure who served in the Tang dynasty during the An Lushan Rebellion. He will be featuring in the manhua Assassin's Creed: Dynasty according to its promotional material.

In one such material, a character profile of Yan Zhenqing, his death date is given as 756. This is most likely an error caused by confusion with his cousin Yan Gaoqing, who was executed that year alongside his son Yan Jiming.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Dynasty