He Ruobi
Was first to cross the Yangtze in the conquest of Chen and defeated the main Chen army at Zhongshan.
Life
Family precepts
He Ruobi came from a Xianbei noble family. His father was killed by Yuwen Hu of Northern Zhou and on his deathbed urged him to be careful with his words, yet he remained outspoken all his life.
Crossed the Yangtze and conquered Chen
Before the conquest of Chen he long garrisoned Guangling, repeatedly using troop rotations and hunting expeditions as cover to mislead the Chen army. In the first month of 589 he led his troops across the river from Guangling, captured Jingkou, and then crushed the main Chen army at Zhongshan.
Punished for rivalry over merit
He competed with Han Qinhu for credit and repeatedly voiced grievances, so Emperor Wen of Sui dismissed him from office. Under Emperor Yang of Sui he privately criticized the government and was executed together with Gao Jiong in 607.
Legacy
He Ruobi was one of the chief heroes of the Conquest of Chen, but his unguarded tongue led to repeated demotions, and he ultimately met a violent death.
Major works & achievements
- Was first to cross the Yangtze and crushed the Chen army at Zhongshan
Did you know? Before he died, his father pricked his tongue with an awl until it bled, warning him to be careful with his words.
Key dates
- 588Garrisoned Guangling and misled the Chen army
- 589Crossed the river to take Jingkou and defeated Chen at Zhongshan
- 607Executed by Emperor Yang of Sui