Han Yanshou is one of the foremost Liao commanders in Generals of the Yang Family. Early in the story he is trusted with bringing the veteran Ma Kun back to Empress Xiao’s service. His name becomes feared during the struggle that traps the Song emperor and the Yang brothers. After Tianqing Wang is killed by Yang Yuanping’s arrow, Han charges with his spear and kills Yuanping, helping turn the imperial rescue into a catastrophe for the Yang family.
He later holds high command when the Liao court launches the immense Heavenly Gate Formation campaign. Empress Xiao places him among the senior officers who train the armies, inspect the linked camps, and support Lü Ke’s arrangement of the gates. Han rides out to challenge the Song commanders to inspect the formation for themselves. In the fighting he also shoots Wang Gui through the heart, adding another personal victory to his authority as an organizer of troops.
When the Yang family finally breaks the formation, Han stays near Empress Xiao and protects her withdrawal instead of fleeing alone. Jiao Zan overtakes him. Han turns and fights, but is captured within two bouts and brought before Yang Zongbao. Zongbao calls him the leading hero of the north, yet remembers the deaths caused during the long war and orders his execution. The praise given at the moment of judgment preserves Han’s stature even as the Liao campaign ends in ruin.
