183 Beijing Operas - Xiahou Ying - Number 66

Xiahou Ying

Beijing Opera - "Pursuing Han Xin"

Xiahou Ying with an inverted ingot face is the character of the opera "Pursuing Han Xin." He was the great general of Liu Bang. It is from the book "Informal Historical Novels of Period Xihan." He was ordered to set up an office to scout for talented people and persuade them to join Liu Bang's cause. Knowing that Han Xin was a very capable army commander, he recommended him to Xiao He, Liu Bang's chief counselor. Liu Bang, however did not show much interest in the man, so one day Han Xin in great disappointment rode away. The opera tells how Xiao He and Xiahou Ying persuaded him and won him back.