Chen Ping vs Xiahou Xuan

Chen Ping defected from Xiang Yu's service to join Liu Bang. He was initially distrusted due to rumors of corruption, but Liu Bang appointed him as a commander after testing his abilities. Chen Ping became a key strategist for the Han.

Chen Ping devised six stratagems that helped Liu Bang defeat Xiang Yu. These included sowing discord between Xiang Yu and his advisors, bribing enemy generals, and using deception to break sieges. The stratagems are recorded in the Records of the Grand Historian.

Chen Ping advised Liu Bang to execute the general Han Xin, who was suspected of plotting rebellion. He suggested luring Han Xin to a meeting where he could be arrested. Han Xin was executed, removing a potential threat to the Han dynasty.

After Liu Bang's death, Chen Ping served as Chancellor under Emperor Hui of Han. He helped stabilize the court during the regency of Empress Dowager Lu, maintaining the Han dynasty's stability through careful political maneuvering.

Xiahou Xuan was appointed Minister of the Guards, a key position controlling the imperial guard. This role gave him influence over palace security. He was a respected scholar and official, known for his integrity and opposition to corruption.

Following Sima Yi's coup, Xiahou Xuan was demoted and exiled to Lelang Commandery in modern Korea. This removal from central power was part of Sima Yi's purge of Cao Shuang's faction. Xiahou Xuan remained in exile until his execution.

Xiahou Xuan was executed by Sima Shi, son of Sima Yi, on charges of plotting rebellion. He was implicated in a conspiracy to overthrow the Sima clan. His death marked the elimination of a prominent Cao family loyalist and further consolidated Sima control.