Qiao Xuan (110 – 6 June 184), courtesy name Gongzu, was an influential official during the Eastern Han dynasty of China.
Born in a scholarly family, he began his career as a local county officer and eventually gained fame for his sense of justice. His career included roles as Left Commandant in Luoyang, Chancellor of the Qi State, and Administrator of various commanderies. Qiao Xuan was known for his sternness, but also for his humility and respect towards others. He had a keen eye for talent and was one of the first to recognize the potential of Cao Cao, a warlord who later rose to power.
Although he is associated with the Qiao sisters in the novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," historical records suggest that it is unlikely that he was their father.
Family background
Qiao Xuan was born in the Eastern Han dynasty during the reign of Emperor An ( 106–125 CE). He was from Suiyang County () in the Liang State (梁國; south of present-day Shangqiu, Henan) and came from a scholar-gentry background. His ancestor, Qiao Ren (), who lived seven generations before him, served as a Minister Herald () during the reign of Emperor Cheng ( 33–7 BCE). Qiao Ren, who was nicknamed "Scholar Qiao" (), also wrote 49 volumes of the Li Ji Zhangju (禮記章句; Verses from the Book of Rites). Qiao Xuan's grandfather, Qiao Ji (), served as the Administrator () of Guangling Commandery (), while Qiao Xuan's father, Qiao Su (), served as the Administrator of Donglai Commandery ().
Early career
In his youth, Qiao Xuan served as an Officer of Merit () in the local county office. When Zhou Jing (), the Inspector () of Yu Province, visited the Liang State, Qiao Xuan reported to him the crimes of Yang Chang (), the Chancellor () of the Chen State (陳國; around present-day Zhoukou, Henan). Zhou Jing ordered Qiao Xuan to conduct an investigation so Qiao Xuan detained Yang Chang and wrote a thorough list of Yang Chang's offences. The general Liang Ji, an influential figure in the central government, favoured Yang Chang, so he wrote an urgent letter to Zhou Jing, asking him to release Yang Chang. Zhou Jing feared Liang Ji so he obliged and instructed Qiao Xuan to free Yang Chang. However, Qiao Xuan returned the letter and ordered his men to escort Yang Chang as a prisoner to the imperial capital, Luoyang. Qiao Xuan became famous after this incident.
Qiao Xuan was later nominated as a xiaolian and appointed as a Left Commandant () in Luoyang. His superior, the Intendant of Henan (), was Liang Ji's brother, Liang Buyi (). Liang Buyi made life difficult for Qiao Xuan because of Yang Chang's case and often found excuses to humiliate Qiao Xuan. Qiao Xuan eventually resigned and returned to his hometown.
Mid career
Qiao Xuan later became the Chancellor () of the Qi State (齊國; around present-day Zibo, Shandong). On one occasion, he committed an offence and stripped of his post and sent to perform hard labour. After serving his sentence, he was allowed to rejoin the civil service and appointed as the Administrator () of Shanggu Commandery (上谷郡; around present-day Yanqing District, Beijing) and later as the Administrator of Hanyang Commandery (漢陽郡; around present-day Tianshui, Gansu). While he was in office, Qiao Xuan heard that Huangfu Zhen (), the Prefect () of Shanggui County (上邽縣; in present-day Tianshui, Gansu), was guilty of corruption. He had Huangfu Zhen arrested, flogged, and head shaved bald. Huangfu Zhen later died in Ji County (冀縣; present-day Gangu County, Gansu). This incident shocked everyone in the region. Around the time, Qiao Xuan heard of Jiang Qi (), a famous man who lived in Shanggui County, and wanted to recruit him to join the civil service. Jiang Qi claimed that he was ill and declined. Qiao Xuan was angered, so he sent Yin Yi () to pressure Jiang Qi into agreeing. He threatened to make Jiang Qi's mother marry another man if he refused again. Yin Yi conveyed Qiao Xuan's threat to Jiang Qi but Jiang still declined and claimed that he was sick. The Counsellors () in the commandery came to see Qiao Xuan and managed to persuade him to stop forcing Jiang Qi. This incident became the subject of jokes at the time. Qiao Xuan resigned on the grounds that he was ill. Shortly after, he joined the civil service again as a Chief Clerk () to the Minister over the Masses (). He was subsequently promoted to Court Architect ().
Towards the end of the reign of Emperor Huan ( 146–168), the Xianbei, Southern Xiongnu and Goguryeo often made incursions into Liaodong. Qiao Xuan was appointed General Who Enters Liao(dong) () and put in charge of defending Liaodong. He served there for three years, repelled intrusions by the invaders, and maintained peace in the area.