Yao Xiang (331?–357), courtesy name Jingguo, posthumously honored Prince Wu of Wei, was an ethnic Qiang warlord during the Sixteen Kingdoms and Jin dynasty (266–420) in Chinese history. He was the fifth son and heir of the Later Zhao general Yao Yizhong. After the destruction of Zhao and the death of Yizhong in 352, he went south to serve under the Jin dynasty. However, due to animosity between him and the Jin commander, Yin Hao, he broke away and roved the Central Plains to establish a base while fighting against Jin and the Former Qin. Although he suffered major losses from time to time, his charismatic personality allowed him to win and keep the support of the people wherever he went. In the end, he was killed in an ambush in 357 while fighting Qin forces at Sanyuan. After his death, his brother, Yao Chang, surrendered to Qin and became one of its generals. In 384, he rebelled and established the Later Qin, posthumously honouring Yao Xiang as a prince in the process. Service under Later Zhao Early life and career The year of Yao Xiang's birth is a matter of dispute. It is recorded that he was 27 years old when he died in 357, meaning that he was born in 331. However, his younger brother, Yao Yizhong's 24th son, Yao Chang, was recorded to be 64 years old when he died in 393, indicating that Yao Chang was born earlier than he was. Thus, there had likely been an error by historians when recording his age. Yao Xiang was eight chi five cun tall (6 ft 8 In) and even in his youth, he was very popular among the gentry and common people for his talents and hospitality. His first recorded military action was in 350 amidst the aftermath of Ran Min's takeover of the Zhao government. He fought against Yizhong's former colleague, the Di leader Pu Hong, over the strategic location of Guanyou (關右, west of present-day Tongguan county, Shaanxi) but was badly defeated. Ran Wei-Later Zhao War Later that year, Yao Yizhong was appointed the Prime Minister of the Right. As Yizhong looked to establish an heir, many of his subordinates and followers pushed for Yao Xiang. Yizhong declined, as Yao Xiang was not the eldest son. However, support for Yao Xiang continued to grow, so Yizhong eventually accepted their demand. Yao Xiang was later appointed