Lu Xun (Jin dynasty)

Lu Xun (died c.1 June 411), courtesy name Yuxian, childhood name Yuanlong, was a rebel of the Jin dynasty (266–420). He was the brother-in-law of the Taoist rebel leader, Sun En, who assumed leadership of the rebellion following Sun's death in 402. While the Jin court was preoccupied with Huan Xuan's usurpation of the throne, Lu Xun led his remaining followers to seize control of Guang province in the far south. After the fall of Huan Xuan in 405, the Jin regent, Liu Yu appeased Lu by acknowledging him as provincial inspector and maintained peace for several years. However, while Liu Yu was away on an expedition against the Southern Yan in 410, Lu Xun and his brother-in-law, Xu Daofu launched a large-scale riverine attack on the Jin that would encompass most of southern China within a year. Lu's forces enjoyed early success, but when Liu Yu returned from his campaign, their numbers gradually dwindled as they suffered defeat after defeat on the battlefield. After months of evading capture, Lu committed suicide in 411.