Xie Yu was a Marquis with real power, while Marquis Yan was an idle noble. Although Xie Yu held a higher official position, he was very wary of Marquis Yan. It was clear that Marquis Yan possessed great influence and resourcefulness in the court. Thus, it could be said that Marquis Yan was superior in terms of power and influence.

There was no clear answer to Marquis Yan and Xie Yu's official positions. Although Xie Yu held a higher position, Marquis Yan possessed great influence and resourcefulness in the court. Thus, in terms of power and influence, Marquis Yan was superior. However, the specific ranks of official positions were not mentioned, so it was impossible to determine the rank of Marquis Yan and Xie Yu.
Xie Yu's official position was even higher. Although Marquis Yan had great influence and resourcefulness in the court, Xie Yu was a first-grade military marquis and had the trust of the Emperor. She was in charge of the patrol camp and was also the trusted aide of the Crown Prince. Thus, Xie Yu's official position was even higher.
Marquis Yan barged into the Xie Manor in the twenty-first episode of the television drama " Nirvana in Fire ". In this episode, at Xiao Jingrui's birthday party, everyone planned to take down Xie Yu. Marquis Yan went to the Xie Mansion in time and stood on the steps. Although there were people blocking him, he steadily moved forward, showing a strong aura. He didn't say a word, but he was stronger than thousands of soldiers and horses, forcing Xie Yu to retreat. This scene was very exciting and left a deep impression on the audience.
Xie Yu was called the Marquis of Ningguo because he had married Princess Liyang, the younger sister of the Emperor of Daliang Kingdom. He had also performed well in the Red Flame Army and gradually gained the Emperor's recognition and reward. Although he was the consort of the Grand Princess of Liyang, he was given the title of Marquis of Ningguo because of his outstanding military achievements. On the door of his mansion, there was even a pillar inscribed by the Emperor of Daliang to protect the country, which showed how much the Emperor valued him.
The answer to the question of whether a marquis was bigger or a first-grade official was bigger was that a marquis was bigger. Marquis was a rank division of the ancient nobles. It was a title of nobility that exceeded one rank. It was only awarded to the royal family and a few meritorious officials. First-grade official was the highest official rank in ancient times. Therefore, the status of a marquis was higher than that of a first-grade official.
Xie Yu, the Marquis of Ningguo, fell in the 51st episode of Nirvana in Fire.
The Hou fu's Eldest Daughter-in-law Xie Jing Xi was an ancient romance novel about rebirth and palace fights. It told the story of Xie Jing Xi's rebirth in order to find the murderer who killed him and experienced all kinds of hardships and difficulties. She married into An Feng Marquis Fu and chose to live alone in a courtyard for more than ten years. In the end, she was killed. After her rebirth, she decided to live for herself and find her murderer. However, she realized that her husband, Gu Yun, was also a ruthless person. This novel was written by the author, Huaixi. It was a classic road to revenge.
Marquis Yan was played by Wang Jinsong in the TV series Nirvana in Fire.