[2] After Cao became the emperor, Yan was appointed a Gentleman-in-Attendance of the Yellow Gates [zh], an official who served at the palace.
[2] After Jingzhao experienced a civil war and was conquered by the general Ma Chao, Yan "restored good and popular government" upon becoming the region's grand administrator.
[4] Yan encouraged his people to do urban agriculture work, suggesting that they use their leisurely time to farm.
[3] Observing that the citizenry were in the predicament of lacking carts and cattle, he urged them to make carts, sell pigs and dogs, and buy cattle.
[5] According to the Chinese historical text Weilüe, under Yan's leadership, Jingzhao became the best of Yongzhou's ten prefectures.