Liu Can

Liu Can (died c.September 318¹), courtesy name Shiguang, also known by his posthumous name (as accorded by Jin Zhun) Emperor Yin of Han (Zhao), was an emperor of the Xiongnu-led Han-Zhao dynasty of China, who reigned briefly in September 318 before being killed by his trusted father-in-law Jin Zhun, who succeeded him to the Han-Zhao throne.

As Prince of He'nei and then Prince of Jin

Liu Can was Liu Cong's son by his first wife, Empress Huyan, but was not created crown prince when Liu Cong became emperor in 310 after seizing the throne from his brother Liu He (after Liu He had tried to have him and the other brothers killed and successfully killed two), because Liu Cong had promised to and did make his brother Liu Ai (劉乂), the son of his father Liu Yuan's second wife Empress Dan, crown prince. Liu Can was, however, created the Prince of He'nei and given a substantial military command. He was one of Han's major generals early in Liu Cong's reign, along with his father's cousin Liu Yao the Prince of Shi'an, Wang Mi (王彌), and Shi Le. He appeared to be a competent general, although not as capable as Liu Yao or Shi Le, and he had mild successes in battle, although his campaigns were largely inconclusive. His mother Empress Huyan died in 312.

As the years went, Liu Cong became increasingly trusting of Liu Can, granting him more and more authority. Liu Can was considered, during his youth, to be capable in both governance and in military matters. However, after Liu Cong made him prime minister and created the Prince of Jin in 314, he was described to have become arrogant and abusive of his powers. He became close to flatterers, not willing to listen to honest advice, unkind, and busy with construction of palaces—all traits that his father Liu Cong had displayed as well (and which Liu Can himself had, ironically, advised his father against in 312). He became very trusting of his father-in-law Jin Zhun, who was treacherous.