Zhou Xin (Han dynasty)

Zhou Xin (周欣) was a minor official serving under the warlord Yuan Shu during the late Eastern Han dynasty and early Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. His primary, and only documented, role was that of an emissary sent by Yuan Shu to attempt to persuade Sun Ce to return under Yuan Shu's banner.

Yuan Shu, who had previously provided Sun Ce with resources and allowed him to establish a foothold in the Jiangdong region, was growing increasingly concerned about Sun Ce's rising power and independence. He believed Sun Ce should continue to serve as a loyal subordinate. Zhou Xin was tasked with delivering a letter from Yuan Shu conveying this sentiment and essentially demanding Sun Ce's obedience.

However, Sun Ce refused Yuan Shu's request and instead declared his independence, establishing himself as a powerful force in his own right. Zhou Xin's mission was a failure, and he disappears from historical records after this incident. Nothing is known about his life before or after his encounter with Sun Ce. His historical significance lies solely in his role as Yuan Shu's envoy during a pivotal moment in the early Three Kingdoms period, highlighting the complex relationships and shifting allegiances of the various warlords vying for power.