[2] Xun Xian went on to serve in the Court of the Palace Library, and held the offices of Prefect of Yixing and Chu Pou's Chief Clerk.
Yin Hao was quick to recruit Xun Xian as his General Who Establishes Might and Interior Minister of Wu together with Wang Xizhi.
Xun Xian believed that by pushing for his execution and putting his life in danger, Cai Mo may rebel and cause a bigger issue due to his influence.
He attacked the Yan general, Wang Teng at (王騰) Yangdu (陽都, in present-day Linyi, Shandong), where he captured and executed him.
After Duan Kan had been defeated, Xun Xian withdrew back to Xiapi, leaving behind his generals to defend the borders.
When Yan general Murong Lan (慕容蘭) camped at Biancheng (汴城, in modern Kaifeng, Henan), Xun Xian routed and killed him.
The same year, Yan once again provoked him by camping Jia Jian at Shanshi (山茌, in modern Changqing District, Shandong).
Xun Xian was only able to get the upper hand after surrounding his entire city, and later managed to seize him following days of intense battle.
Xun Xian did not hold Shanshi for long, as Yue Ming (悅明) defeated him and retook the city for Yan.