《北史·列传·卷三十九》
武成帝即位，晋封他为太傅，统领司徒，常允许他带领私人卫士三人，带着刀进入宫中。
及武成即位，进位太傅，领司徒，常听将私部曲三人，带刀入仗。
When Emperor Wucheng succeeded to the throne, he made Gui Yan Imperial Tutor, who could lead the Minister of War. He would usually be allowed to take three personal guards, with knives, into the palace.