He was a eunuch-official who served under Emperor Huan (r. 146–168) of the Eastern Han dynasty in China.
Hou Lan was from Shanyang Commandery (山陽郡), which is around present-day Jining, Shandong.
[4] At some point prior to 172, Hou Lan became Grand Coachman of Changle Palace.
The appointment is likely to have occurred in 168, when the death of Emperor Huan left Hou Lan powerless.
[6] In 172, Hou Lan was abruptly “found guilty of luxury and arrogance, and of acting with arbitrary authority.” He was ordered to surrender his seal and ribbon of office.