Liu Yan (died 234), courtesy name Weishuo, was a military general serving in the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms of China. He previously served under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Liu Yan succeeded Huang Zhong as General of the Rear in 223 and was reappointed every year until 231 where he was promoted to General of the Chariots and Cavalry. Liu was given these high ranks not for his merits but for his long service and relation to the imperial clan as well as being handsome and well spoken. He served Liu Bei since 194 in Xu province and until his general-ships served in mid-level civil and administrator posts to an average performance at best. Some military generals including Wei Yan didn't respect him , which led to their quarrel in 232. Even as a high