Battle of Chi Lăng
1427 · Chi Lăng Pass (present-day Lạng Sơn Province, Vietnam) · World · Medieval
Liu Sheng's force was ambushed around the Chi Lăng Pass, and Liu Sheng was killed in battle; on hearing the news, Mu Sheng, advancing from Yunnan, withdrew his army.
Belligerents
Lam Sơn uprising army
- Commanders
- Lê Lợi, Lê Sát
- Strength
- Unknown
Ming dynasty relief army
- Commanders
- Liu Sheng, Mu Sheng
- Strength
- Reportedly over 100,000 (both columns)
Background
After destroying the Hồ dynasty in 1407, the Ming dynasty established the Jiaozhi Provincial Administration Commission. In 1418 Lê Lợi rose in revolt at Lam Sơn in Thanh Hóa, gradually took control of the region, and in 1426 laid siege to the citadel of Đông Quan. The Ming dynasty sent Liu Sheng and Mu Sheng with reinforcements along two routes.
Course of the battle
- Relief army marches southLiu Sheng led the main force south from Guangxi through Zhennan Pass, while Mu Sheng came down the Red River from Yunnan.
- Ambush at the passThe rebels laid an ambush in the mountain passes between Chi Lăng and Xương Giang; Liu Sheng, advancing carelessly, fell into the ambush and was killed in battle.
- Relief army collapsesThe following Ming forces suffered repeated defeats at Xương Giang and elsewhere; on hearing the news, Mu Sheng withdrew to Yunnan.
- Peace talks and withdrawalWang Tong made peace with Lê Lợi, the Ming army withdrew at the end of the year, and the Jiaozhi Provincial Administration Commission was abolished.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1427 |
|---|---|
| Place | Chi Lang Pass (now Lang Son Province, Vietnam) |
| Result | Liu Sheng's force was ambushed around the Chi Lăng Pass, and Liu Sheng was killed in battle; on hearing the news, Mu Sheng, advancing from Yunnan, withdrew his army. |
| Winner | Lam Sơn uprising army |
| Casualties | The Ming army suffered many killed, wounded and captured; exact figures are unknown. |
| Territorial change | Wang Tong, the Ming commander besieged in Đông Quan (present-day Hanoi), agreed to withdraw; the Ming army left at the end of 1427, and the following year Lê Lợi proclaimed himself emperor and founded the Later Lê dynasty. |
Impact
Twenty years of Ming rule came to an end and Vietnam restored its independence, thereafter maintaining a tributary relationship with the Ming dynasty.
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