Liu Yin (190 – 269), courtesy name Xiuran, was a military officer of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. After the fall of Shu in 263, he continued serving under the Cao Wei state, then the succeeding Jin dynasty in 266.

Life Liu Yin was born in Chengdu, Shu Commandery (蜀郡), which is present-day Chengdu, Sichuan. In his youth, he was well known along with his fellow townspeople Du Zhen (杜禎) and Liu Shen (柳伸).(柳隱，字休然，蜀郡成都人也。少與同郡杜禎、柳伸並知名。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. Liu Yin was upright, honest, and sincere. With many close friends. Furthermore, he was skilled in politics.(隱直誠篤亮，交友居厚，達於從政。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. Later, he accompanied the general Jiang Wei during his many northern campaigns where he was known for his strategic thinking, courage and resourcefulness. Among the army, Liu Yin was considered one of the bravest warriors.(數從大將軍姜維征伐，臨事設計，當敵陷陣，勇略冠軍。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. He held various positions including Officer of the Standard (牙門將), Administrator of Ba Commandery (巴郡太守) and Commandant of Cavalry (騎都尉). He was later reassigned to the post of Garrison Commander (圍督) in Hanzhong.(為牙門將，巴郡太守，騎都尉。遷漢中黃金圍督。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03

During the Conquest of Shu by Wei, Zhong Hui invaded the Hanzhong region and captured many forts and strongholds. Only Liu Yin held fast, refusing to surrender. Despite being attacked by a separate force, he remained unyielding and was able to hold out.(景耀六年，魏鎮西將軍鍾會伐蜀，入漢川，圍戍多下。惟隱堅壁不動。會別將攻之，不能克。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. After his abdication to Deng Ai, Liu Shan sent Liu Yin a handwritten order commanding him to surrender. Only then, he surrendered. Sima Zhao heard of this. He was greatly impressed by his righteous action.(後主既降，以手令敕隱，乃詣會。晉文帝聞而義之。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03.

In 264, Liu Yin was transferred to Hedong where he was appointed as Consultant (議郎).(咸熙元年，內移河東，拜議郎。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. When Sima Yan established the Jin dynasty, he assigned Liu Yin as Administrator of Xihe (西河太守). Liu Yin stayed in office for the next three years before resigning on account of his old age. Before his death, he asked for his remains to be sent back to his homeland in the Shu region. He died among his family at the age of 80 (by East Asian age reckoning).(武帝踐祚，以為西河太守。在官三年，以年老去官。乞骸還蜀。卒於家，時年八十。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03.

Liu Yin's eldest son, Liu Chong (柳充) served as the Prefect of Liandao (連道令). While his second son, Liu Chu (柳初) was recommended as a xiucai (秀才; person who passed the county level imperial exam).(長子充，連道令。次子初，舉秀才。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03.

Appraisal Chang Qu, who wrote Liu Yin's biography in the Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi), appraised Liu Yin as follows: "Fierce warrior, possessing both righteousness and virtue."(西河太守柳隱休然：西河烈烈，秉義居貞。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 01.

Du Zhen Du Zhen (杜禎), whose courtesy name, was Wenran (文然), was the son of Du Qiong. Alongside Liu Shen, they served as Assistant Officer (從事) under Zhuge Liang.(杜禎，字文然。州牧諸葛亮辟為從事。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. He was appointed as Prefect of Insignia and Credentials (符節令) then as Chief Controller (都督) of Liang and Yi provinces.(禎，符節令，梁益二州都督。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. Du Zhen's son, Du Zhen (杜珍), whose courtesy name was Bozhong (伯重), served as Protector of the Army (護軍) of Lueyang (略陽). After Cao Wei's abdication to Jin, he was recommended as a xiucai. He had a son, Du Mi (杜彌), whose courtesy name was Jingwen (景文).(禎子珍，字伯重，略陽護軍。大同後，並舉秀才。珍子「彌」〔弢〕，字景文。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03.

Liu Shen Liu Shen (柳伸), whose courtesy name was Yahou (雅厚), served as Administrator (太守) of Hanjia (漢嘉) and Badong (巴東).(柳伸，字雅厚。伸，度支、漢嘉、巴東太守。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03. His son, Liu Chun (柳純), whose courtesy name was Weishu (偉叔) was famous as a man of virtuous moral character and greatly talented. He was recommended as a xiucai then appointed as Administrator (太守) of Ba Commandery (巴郡), Yidu (宜都) and Jianping (建平). Thereafter, as Colonel (校尉) of Xiyi (西夷) and Changshui (長水). Furthermore, as Supervisor of the Army (監軍) of Badong (巴東).(伸子純，字偉叔；有名德幹器，舉秀才，巴郡、宜都、建平太守，西夷、長水校尉，巴東監軍。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 03.

See also Lists of people of the Three Kingdoms

Notes

References

Chang Qu (4th century). Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi).