Xiahou Yuan, courtesy name Qianli, was a native of the Zhenrong Army. He was brave and fierce in his youth. At the age of seventeen, he responded to the call to fight against the Xia. At that time, Qu Duan, the jailer of Tong'an Stockade, saw him and was impressed by him, so he took him to his side as a guard.

Yuan's family was poor and he had no education, but he admired Duan's literary and military skills, so he began to study on his own. Duan was surprised by this and taught him to read himself. Seeing his intelligence and understanding, he loved him even more. Duan had a fine horse named Tiexiang (Iron Elephant), and he once said to people, "My family has two fine steeds, one is Tiexiang, and the other is Xiahou."

Yuan followed Duan as his attendant, serving him respectfully. Every time he went to battle, he charged into the enemy lines, disregarding his own life. Duan trusted him even more.

In the third year of Jianyan (era name), Qu Duan went to Tokyo and was promoted to Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard. Wu Jie, the military commander of Jingyuan Road, also joined his department. The bandit Shi Bin attacked Chang'an, and Jie ambushed and killed him. Yuan made several meritorious contributions by beheading enemies. Jie admired his courage and asked him what he wanted. He replied, "I know very well that you treat me well, but I have received great kindness from Commander Qu and dare not forget it. I wish to obtain a fine steed and return to him." Jie was silent for a long time, then clapped his hands and laughed, "Does Qianli want to imitate Yun Chang's solo ride?" He then reported Yuan's merits, appointed him as a student in the prefecture, gave him a fine horse, and sent him to Tokyo. He went to the palace examination and obtained the position of Jinshi.

In the fourth year, he followed Duan in defeating Lou Shi at Yaoshan. Duan was appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry for his功绩, and he again made Yuan his trusted personal guard, never leaving his side.

In the sixth year, he followed him in pacifying Western Xia.

In the tenth year, he fought against the Jin at Huolu. Duan personally led elite cavalry to break through their army. The bandit troops fought desperately, scattering and regrouping several times. Yuan protected Duan as he charged in and out of the enemy ranks, engaging in close combat many times, killing dozens of people. He fought bravely until his death at the age of thirty-six, and was posthumously granted the title of Earl of Pingliang.

His son, Ning, was appointed Chengxin Lang (Official Title) by virtue of his father's merits. Qu Duan raised him in his residence, treating him with the same love and care as his own two sons. When guests came to visit, he would point to him and say, "This is my tiger son." He passed the Jinshi examination, served as the prefect of Liangzhou, and the Pacification Commissioner of Hexi Road. He was repeatedly awarded the title of Junior Protector and the military governorship of Zhanghua. See his other biography for more details.