Wáng Yǔn (王允)

**Wang Yun: The Strategist Who Toppled a Tyrant** **Early Life and Background** Wang Yun (137–192 CE) was a prominent statesman and official during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Born into a scholarly family in Taiyuan (modern-day Shanxi Province), he was known for his intelligence and moral integrity from a young age. He rose through the ranks of the Han bureaucracy, earning a reputation as a principled and capable administrator. **Major Achievements and Contributions** Wang Yun is best remembered for orchestrating the downfall of the tyrannical warlord Dong Zhuo, who had seized control of the Han court and terrorized the empire. In 192 CE, Wang Yun masterminded a plot involving the legendary warrior Lü Bu, Dong Zhuo’s adopted son, to assassinate the dictator. The scheme succeeded, briefly restoring hope for the crumbling Han Dynasty. **Historical Significance** Though Dong Zhuo’s death led to further chaos as warlords vied for power, Wang Yun’s actions symbolized resistance against oppression. His bravery in confronting one of history’s most ruthless figures cemented his place as a hero of the late Han era. **Interesting Facts and Anecdotes** Wang Yun famously used the "Beauty Scheme" (连环计), leveraging Dong Zhuo’s infatuation with the courtesan Diaochan to turn Lü Bu against him. This tale, later dramatized in *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, remains one of China’s most famous stratagems. **Legacy and Influence** Though Wang Yun was later killed by Dong Zhuo’s vengeful followers, his story endures as a lesson in courage and cunning. He is celebrated in literature, opera, and folklore, embodying the Confucian ideal of loyalty to the state. His tactics continue to inspire discussions on strategy and leadership. Wang Yun’s life reminds us that even in dark times, one individual’s resolve can alter the course of history.