Lou Xuan (simplified: 楼玄, traditional: 樓玄, pinyin: Lóu Xuán), courtesy name Chengxi (承先 Chéngxiān), was an official of Eastern Wu under Sun Hao. He served as Director of the Secretariat and Prefect of the Palace Gate. He was accused together with He Shao of “slandering state affairs” (謗訕國政); both fell foul of Sun Hao. Lu Kang listed Lou Xuan with He Shao, Xue Ying, and others as men who were “pure and white, loyal and diligent” and “pillars of the altars of soil and grain.” Lou Xuan was sent to Guangzhou and was later ordered to commit suicide or killed there.
Biography
Service and accusation
Lou Xuan held court office under Sun Hao. He and He Shao remonstrated or were perceived as criticising the emperor’s conduct. Sun Hao had them accused of slandering state affairs. He Shao was tortured and killed; Lou Xuan was exiled to Guangzhou (交州). Hua He reportedly pleaded for Lou Xuan (and for Wei Yao); Lou Xuan was later ordered to commit suicide or was killed in exile.
Legacy
Lu Kang, in a memorial, named Lou Xuan among the officials who had upheld the state and whose loss or persecution weakened Wu. Lou Xuan is remembered as one of the upright officials who suffered under Sun Hao’s reign.