Ren Shang

Ren Shang (Chinese: 任尚; Wade–Giles: Jen Shang, died 118) was the Protector General of the Western Regions under Eastern Han between 102-106 CE.

In February, 91, he and Geng Kui defeated the unnamed Northern Shanyu shortly after the Battle of Ikh Bayan, on commission by Dou Xian. In 93, he killed the penultimate northern chanyu, Yuchujian Chanyu during a pursuit with Wang Fu. A Chinese inscription stele of him, the Achievements Inscription of Ren Shang of the Han (汉任尚纪功铭) was excavated in 1957 from Kumul, Xinjiang, which recorded the event in 93.

When Ban Chao was retiring from the post of Protector General of the Western Regions in 102 CE, due to age an ill health, Ren Shang asked him for some advice. Ban Chao said:

In 107 CE, the Western Regions in modern Xinjiang province rebelled against Chinese rule. Ban Yong was appointed as a Major (Jun Sima 軍司馬) and, with his elder brother, Ban Xiong (班雄), went via Dunhuang to meet up with the Protector General of the Western Regions, Ren Shang (?-119 CE), who had replaced Ban Chao as Protector General in 102 CE. The Chinese had to retreat and, following this, there were no Chinese functionaries in the Western Regions for more than ten years until Ban Yong returned in 126 CE.

According to the Hou Hanshu, Chap. 117, p. 6b, Ren Shang was recalled and executed in 118 CE, for committing exactly the mistakes which Ban Chao had warned him against.

...
Wikipedia