Han Yuan (Chinese: 韓瑗; 606 – 659),[1] courtesy name Boyu (伯玉), formally Duke of Yingchuan (潁川公), was an official of the Tang dynasty of China, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong.
During Emperor Taizong's reign, he inherited the title of Duke of Yingchuan from Han Zhongliang, and eventually served as deputy minister of defense.
Han Yuan became acting Huangmen Shilang (黃門侍郎) -- the deputy head of the examination bureau of government (門下省, Menxia Sheng).
In 655, he became Shizhong (侍中) -- the head of the examination bureau and a post considered one for a chancellor, and he was also made a staff member of Emperor Gaozong's son and crown prince Li Zhong.
Later that year, Consort Wu falsely accused Empress Wang and her mother Lady Liu of using witchcraft to try to regain Emperor Gaozong's favor.
The chancellors, other than the senior general Li Ji, who refused to render an opinion (but later also stated to Emperor Gaozong that it was his own business and that he needed not ask anyone else) and Emperor Gaozong's powerful uncle Zhangsun Wuji, who showed disapproval by silence, were largely vocal in their opposition, with the strongest opposition from Chu Suiliang.
Emperor Gaozong did not listen and, after demoting Chu to be the commandant at Tan Prefecture (roughly modern Changsha, Hunan), in order to show the other chancellors what he was willing to do, deposed Empress Wang and replaced her with Consort Wu late in 655.