Han Xizai

Han Xizai (902-972), with courtesy name of Shuyan, was an official of Soutern Tang Kingdom in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era with the degree of jinshi. He was born in Qingzhou. For his father was killed by Li Siyuan, he left for Wu Kingdom. He had served various imperial posts in his life.

Devaluation of money occurred in 958 (Jiaotai 1st year). He proposed to forge iron coin to enhance the value of money. One big new coin equaled to ten old coins and one small new coin equaled to two small old coins. With the same size of ``Kaiyuan Tongbao``, with inscribed words written by Xu Xuan, the new currency was widely used. Later he was promoted to minister of War Ministry.

Han Xizai was well-informed and gifted in writing. He was also good at music and dancing. His painting and calligraphy ranked with that of Xu Xuan. But he was easy in his morals and lived with a prostitute named Wang Wusan. Wang, pretty and perspicacious, was very good at singing and dancing. Han often drummed while Wang danced ``liuyao`` dance. Pictures like ``Han Xizai`s Banquette`` and ``Indulgence`` all showed his extravagant life.

Li Yu, Emperor Houzhu, had always wanted to title him prime minister for his frank advices and suggestions but later neglected him for his extravagance. He had ever held position as high as zhongshu shilang (vice director in the Grand Secretariat). His works included Ding Ju Ji, Ni Yi Ji and Proverbs.