Wang Yun Han dynasty

Wang Yun (courtesy name Zishi) was a Chinese politician who served during the late Eastern Han dynasty. He held significant positions in the government under three emperors: Emperor Ling, Emperor Shao, and Emperor Xian. In 192, with the help of General Lü Bu, Wang Yun successfully led a coup against Dong Zhuo, a powerful warlord controlling the central government, resulting in Dong Zhuo's assassination. However, later that year, Dong Zhuo's loyalists staged a counter-coup, leading to Wang Yun's capture and execution along with his family.

In Luo Guanzhong's 14th-century historical novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, Wang Yun is portrayed as the adoptive father of Diaochan. He uses her beauty to instigate conflict between Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo, ultimately leading to Dong Zhuo's downfall.

Wang Yun was born in Qi County, Taiyuan, into a family with a history of administrative service. After holding various official positions, he became the Minister over the Masses and Prefect of the Masters of Writing under Emperor Xian. Following the death of powerful eunuch Zhang Rang, Wang Yun's political career faced challenges until He Jin's rise to power.

Wang Yun's life was marked by political intrigue and a tragic end after his failed attempt to overthrow Dong Zhuo's loyalists. His nephew survived and later became a general under Emperor Wu of Wei.