Xu Guang (died 333), courtesy name Jiwu, was a minister of Later Zhao during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.
However, Xu Guang won Shi Le's favour back in 328, after his advice earned them a victory over Zhao's rival Han-Zhao.
He grew up poor and his father Xu Cong (徐聰) only worked as a mere cow doctor.
As northern China fell into chaos, the Han-Zhao general, Shi Le, invaded Dunqiu.
Xu Guang was ordered to work in Wang Yang's stables, where he would tend to the horses.
Xu Guang had no interest in his new work, and instead spent the rest of his time writing poetry and songs on the posts tied to the horses.
However, after his release, Wang Yang felt guilty after being informed that Xu Guang had cried all night long.
[1] In 314, Xu Guang followed Shi Le in his Youzhou campaign to capture the Jin dynasty warlord, Wang Jun.
[4] Xu Guang remained in prison until 328, when Shi Le was leading his final campaign against his rival, Liu Yao of Han-Zhao.
Xu Guang in particular became Prefect of the Palace Secretariat and acting Custodian of the Private Library.
Xu Guang told him not to worry much about it, comparing the father and son relationship of Shi Le and Shi Hong to that of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Wen of Han, as the former unified the state through war while the latter established peace in his rule.
Xu Guang and Cheng Xia were arrested by Shi Hu and brought before the Minister of Justice.
Shi Hu granted a general amnesty but left out Xu Guang and Cheng Xia, who were both executed for defying him.