Jan Yan, also called Jan Chung-kung(冉仲弓), was born in the Kingdom of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period of the Chou Dynasty. Confucius, his teacher, classified him in the group of virtuous people. Although his father was not known for his good deeds, Chung-kung was praised for his sincerity. Confucius Commented, "Chung-kung's father can be compared to a multi-colored ox, while the calf is pure red and healthy. The calf is much in demand as a sacrifice for national worship. The people could refuse to sacrifice it, and still, the gods of the mountains and rivers would keep it tightly in their grasp. "Confucius further praised him by saying, "He is capable of being a ruler."

Reference:《THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SAINTS AND SAGES ARE IN THE TA CHENG HALL OF THE CONFUCIUS TEMPLE》published by Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board