Jian Shuo

Who was Jian Shuo?

Jian Shuo was the leader of the eunuch faction in the imperial court of the late Eastern Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Along with Zhang Rang, Jian Shuo eventually became a leading member of the Ten Attendants, who became the most powerful eunuchs during the time. When Emperor Ling of Han died in 189, Jian Shuo wanted to enthrone Emperor Ling's younger son, Liu Xie, and kill Empress Dowager He's brother, He Jin. However, the plot was discovered by He Jin and foiled. When Liu Bian ascended to the throne as Emperor Shao, He Jin had Jian Shuo arrested and executed.