Preface
In the long river of history, there are many legendary figures, and Huo Quzhi is undoubtedly one of the bright stars. His life is legendary, as an illegitimate child, he rose to prominence at the age of 18 and became a nightmare on the prairie, but his illustrious career came to an abrupt end at the age of 24, leaving behind a mystery that left people puzzled.
This is a story about Huo Qu's disease, a life full of legends, mysteries, and incredible life trajectories. Let's embark on a journey through time to unravel the mystery of this bastard child and discover his extraordinary story of rise and untimely death on the grasslands.
An illegitimate son turned out to be an invincible traitor under the command of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty
In the winter of 140 B.C., a baby boy was born in an ordinary family in Chang'an City, named Huo Quzhi. When he was born, he couldn't cry, and his mother, Wei Shao'er, hugged him and patted him gently, with love in his eyes.
This Wei Shao'er was originally a female slave in Princess Pingyang's mansion. She is favored by the princess and has no worries about food and clothing on weekdays. It's only occasionally that I envy other free women.
Once, Wei Shao'er was entrusted by the princess to go to Chang'an City to run errands. She hurried through the bustling streets and accidentally bumped into a scholar. The scholar carefully lifted her up and helped her pick up something that had fallen to the ground. As soon as Wei Shao'er looked up, he was attracted by his scholar's handsome facial features and gentle elegance.
It turned out that the scholar's name was Huo Zhongru, who had been studying in Chang'an for a long time, and was indifferent to fame and fortune on weekdays, and only wanted to concentrate on learning Xi. He and Wei Shao'er fell in love at first sight, and since then the two have often met secretly outside the city.
After more than a year, Wei Shao'er finally became pregnant. She was afraid of the princess's reproach, so she had to ask Huo Zhongru for help. Unexpectedly, Huo Zhongru denied that it was his own child, afraid of implicating his future. Wei Shao'er was at a loss, so she had to go back to the princess's mansion and give birth to this child - that is, Huo Qu's illness in the future.
The joy of being a parent for the first time instantly came to naught, and Wei Shao'er's heart was like a knife. She hugged Huo Qubing in her swaddling clothes and said to him, "Son, we only have each other." ”
Mother and son depend on each other for their lives, and they are gradually reused, and they become famous in a fight
Although the child she gave birth to was not recognized by her father, Wei Shaoer still firmly remembered the name "Huo Quzhi". She raised her son alone, and although it was difficult, she still pretended to be relaxed and did not let Huo Qubing notice anything unusual.
Gradually, Huo Qu's illness also grew to three or four years old. He is clever and intelligent, and he walks in a different tone than other children. Wei Shao'er looked at his back and smile, and his heart was full of relief.
This year, Wei Shao'er's sister Wei Zifu entered the palace and was favored by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and was named a nobleman. She still remembered that Wei Shao'er took care of her when she was young, so she pleaded with Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and took Wei Shao'er to the palace to accompany her.
Wei Shao'er was able to break away from the princess's mansion and live a worry-free life. She took care of Huo Qu's illness more attentively, and accompanied him to read and Xi martial arts every day. Gradually, Huo Quzhi's intelligence and excellence also emerged, which aroused the appreciation of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
When he was 10 years old, Huo Qubing shot through the central bullseye in an archery competition, defeated the heroes, and was praised by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. At the age of 13, he went out with his uncle Wei Qing to fight against the Huns, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty saw that he was young and promising, and admired him very much, and accepted him as a servant, and often called him to have fun in the palace.
As a result, Huo Quai, who was originally born lowly, actually entered the field of vision of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and became his favored close minister. Wei Shao'er cried with joy in her heart, she knew that her son had finally taken a step forward.
In the sixth year of Yuan Shuo (123 BC), the 18-year-old Huo Qubing was sent to the front. It was the first head-to-head confrontation in his life. At that time, the main force of the Han army was fighting in Hexi, and Huo Qubing followed his uncle Wei Qing on the expedition.
Before setting out for the expedition, Wei Shao'er took Huo Quai's hand and told him to take care of himself, and not to be reckless because he wanted to make meritorious contributions. She also prepared thick armor and a sharp sword for him, and told him to remember her teachings and return safely.
Huo Quzhi looked at his mother's tearful eyes and nodded firmly. He stepped on his horse and walked away in a sassy manner, turning his head and waving goodbye to his mother. The firm back filled Wei Shao'er's heart with confidence.
Go deep into Mobei and be a marquis in World War I
After arriving at the front line, his uncle Wei Qing took into account Huo Quai's first appearance, and specially arranged for him to lead 800 people to guard the main battlefield.
However, how could Huo Quai, who was boiling with enthusiasm, be willing to succumb to the background? Seeing the opportunity, he actually led his troops to bypass the main force and directly attack the Xiongnu reinforcements.
Huo Qubing rushed to the front, holding a long sword, and jumped over the city, killing the sky. His heroism and bravery boosted morale, and 800 warriors followed him into the encirclement. The enemy army was in chaos, and more than 2,000 people were captured by 800 people!
Uncle Wei Qing was shocked when he heard the news and hurriedly came. When he saw the heroic Huo Quai, he was angry and laughed: "You kid, you attack without authorization, do you know how to deal with military law?"
Huo Quzhi stood up straight: "Uncle, I saw the opportunity to annihilate the enemy's main force in one fell swoop and remove obstacles for the army." I know that I will not hesitate to violate military orders!"
Wei Qing looked at him, sighed in his heart, after all, he still didn't really blame, just sighed: "Okay, you are a fierce general, see that you have solved our urgent need, I don't blame you this time, I won't take it as an example!"
So, 18-year-old Huo Quai, on the battlefield for the first time, made great contributions, killed more than 2,000 enemy soldiers, and was named "Champion Hou". When the mother heard about her son's exploits, she was happy but also worried. She misses her son even more.
Later, when she learned that her son had returned safely, she hurried to meet her. The two mothers and sons reunited after a long absence, and they couldn't cry. Huo Qu whispered to his mother about how he bravely killed the enemy. Wei Shao'er was proud in his heart, and gently stroked his son's head, his son had grown so big.
Go deep into Mobei and build a wolf house
However, this is far from the pinnacle of Huo Quzhi's military career.
In the fourth year of Yuanzhan (119 BC), the 22-year-old Huo Qubing served as the Taishou of Beihai County and was ordered to go to the Xiongnu.
Hearing that her son was on the battlefield again, Wei Shao'er was worried, and she repeatedly told Huo Quzhi that no matter what difficulties he encountered, he must cherish his life. Huo Qu's illness was dealt with one by one, and he firmly told his mother that he would definitely achieve a great victory and return safely.
This time, Huo Qubing led the army more than 2,000 miles deep into Mobei! On the Gobi Desert, the Han army galloped and started a big war with the Xiongnu. Huo Qubing took advantage of the agility of the cavalry and adopted the tactics of outflanking and defeating the main force of the Huns.
The battle was intense and lasted 10 days. The Han army defeated 20,000 cavalry of the Xiongnu left and right Xianwang, killed more than 7,000 Xiongnu people, and captured thousands of enemy troops. Then the Han army arrived at Wolf Juxu Mountain, where a grand ceremony was held to worship the heavens!
In this battle, Huo Quai's military exploits were impressive, and he was named the Great Sima, and he broke the Hun Iron Cavalry, and his reputation spread far and wide. When the enemy talked about him, he couldn't help but be afraid, and called him "an embarrassed traitor."
After returning triumphantly, Huo Quai's first time went to visit his mother, who had missed him for more than a year. The mother and son hugged each other and cried bitterly, unable to help themselves for a long time. Wei Shao'er looked at the unhealed wounds on his son's body distressedly, and asked him softly if he had encountered any difficulties and obstacles.
Huo Quzhi shook his head, just saying that the enemy was fierce and he had paid a heavy price. However, he led his army through snow-capped mountains and deserts, defeated the enemy, and achieved a great victory. This has been the pride of his life. No matter how difficult and dangerous it is, it will not hesitate!
epilogue
Perhaps it was the heavens that hated his talent and took his life at the peak.
In the winter of 117 BC, Huo Qu, who was just 24 years old, fell ill and suddenly became seriously ill, which alarmed the court. After Wei Shao'er received the summons, she rushed to her son's bed in grief.
She held her son's hand, which was already cold, and tears broke down. Son, you are still so young, how can you leave me like this! My son, you must hold on! Wei Shao'er mourned.
The frail Huo Qubing opened his eyes and showed a final smile to his mother. He gently touched his mother's hand, said, "Mom, I'm so tired now...... and closed his eyes forever.
After Huo Qu fell ill and died, Wei Shao'er was in pain, and kept in front of his tomb day and night. And Huo Quzhi used his short 24 years to achieve a lifetime of immortal poetry.
However, the real cause of his sudden death is divided in the history books. The truth will always be a mystery......