minister to the Chinese emperor Ningzong (reigned 1195–1224) of the Song dynasty (960–1279). Han tried to recover territory in northern China that had been taken from the Song several generations earlier by the Juchen (Jin (Jin dynasty)) tribes of Inner Asia. The ensuing war proved disastrous. More Song territory was lost and a large indemnity was demanded by the Juchen. When Han attempted to halt negotiations and resume the war, he was executed by his own people and his head offered to the Juchen as a means of conciliation.