Li Jing
Subdued Xiao Xian, destroyed the Eastern Turks and defeated the Tuyuhun.
Life
Nearly Executed
Li Jing was a nephew of the leading Sui general Han Qinhu and showed both literary and military talent from a young age. In the late Sui he tried to report Li Yuan's planned rebellion to Emperor Yang of Sui; captured by Tang forces, he was spared execution thanks to Li Shimin's intercession.
Destroying the Eastern Turks
He subdued Xiao Xian at Jiangling and Fu Gongshi in Jiangnan. In 630 he led 3,000 cavalry through the snow in a night raid on Dingxiang, then launched a surprise attack on Jieli Khan's main camp at Yinshan; the Eastern Turks were destroyed and Jieli was captured. When the news arrived, the retired emperor Li Yuan held a banquet at Lingyan Pavilion and played the pipa himself.
Expedition against the Tuyuhun
In 635, though over 60, he still led an expedition against the Tuyuhun, advancing deep into Qinghai and pursuing them for a thousand li. In old age he shut his doors to visitors to avoid suspicion. A military treatise later attributed to him, the Questions and Replies of Li Weigong, was counted among the Seven Military Classics.
Legacy
Li Jing is regarded as the greatest general of the Tang dynasty; Emperor Taizong of Tang praised him as "unmatched since antiquity." In folk legend he also became one of the models for the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li Jing in Investiture of the Gods.
Major works & achievements
- Pacified Jiangnan
- Destroying the Eastern Turks
- Defeated the Tuyuhun
Did you know? On hearing that Illig Qaghan had been captured, Li Yuan sighed: "Emperor Gaozu of Han was besieged at Baideng and could never avenge it; now my son has destroyed the Turks."
Key dates
- 621Put down Xiao Xian
- 624Put down Fu Gongshi
- 630Night raid on Dingxiang and surprise attack at Yinshan; destroyed the Eastern Turks
- 635Expedition against the Tuyuhun
- 649Died