Nearly sacked after a fall out with Wei Yan, accusations about his wife Lady Hu and the Emperor saw him executed in disgrace.
[3][4] Liu Yan was born during the late Eastern Han dynasty in the Lu State (魯國), a princedom around present-day Qufu, Shandong.
He also appointed Liu Yan as Minister of the Guards (衛尉), Central Military Adviser (中軍師), and General of the Rear (後將軍).
[10] Despite holding important ranks, Liu Yan was not actively involved in state and military affairs while showing little aptitude for it.
I am grateful to you, Sir, for recognising that I am faithful and loyal to the State, for forgiving me for my many flaws, for providing me much support, and allowing me to get to the high position that I am in today.
"[14]Zhuge Liang then sent Liu Yan back to Chengdu, the Shu Han capital, and restored him to his former position.
[4] In February or March 234, Liu Yan's wife, Lady Hu (胡氏), entered the palace to pay her respects to Empress Dowager Wu.
[citation needed] After the scandal, the Shu Han government put an end to the practice of allowing officials' wives and mothers to enter the palace at time of celebrations.