Preface
In the long history of the Tang Dynasty, heroic generals emerged one after another, and the controversy about the fierce generals has always attracted much attention. Famous generals such as Li Yuanba and Wei Chigong are all highly praised for their military achievements, but recently a rumor about the first fierce general of the Tang Dynasty has surfaced, which is jaw-dropping. And the focus of this legend turned out to be Qin Qiong's son.
Martial talent is emerging
In a small village in Shandong, there is a young man named Qin Qiong, who has been known for his bravery since he was a child, and no one in the village is his opponent. In a group fight, Qin Qiong repelled more than ten people alone. This incident made people in this village and neighboring villages talk about it with great relish. Qin Qiong is not only strong in martial arts, but also very intelligent, and often comes forward to solve disputes between villagers, relying on his witty eloquence and wise judgment to resolve many contradictions. This quickly allowed him to gain great prestige in the village.
When he was eighteen years old, Qin Qiong's mother unfortunately passed away, and this blow made him unable to calm down for a long time. When he was grief-stricken, a turning point appeared - a local Sui Dynasty general recruited troops, and Qin Qiong resolutely joined the Sui army.
Soon, the guy stood out in recruit training. He easily completed the training that others found difficult, and he far surpassed his peers in various martial arts competitions. What's even more rare is that Qin Qiong is cool-headed and knows how to use tactics, unlike most recruits who only blindly go on a rampage. This attracted the attention of the Sui general, and after learning the news of his mother's new funeral, the general actually went to mourn in person. This was unheard of in the army at the time, and everyone was impressed by this new recruit.
After several years of training in the Sui army, Qin Qiong was already a mighty general. At this time, the Sui Dynasty was in decline, and the world was in chaos. In an engagement with the peasant rebel army, Qin Qiong defeated the enemy with excellent tactical command and became famous in a battle. At this time, someone suggested that he defect to Li Yuan, who was powerful and prosperous at that time. After careful consideration, Qin Qiong decided to go to serve Li Yuan, opening an important chapter in his legendary life.
Xuanwu Gate meritorious service
The first time Li Yuan saw Qin Qiong, he was deeply attracted to this young man - not only because of his good appearance and calm demeanor, but also because of the fortitude and firmness revealed by those eyes. Soon, Qin Qiong deserved his name under Li Yuan and became the generalissimo of the Tang Dynasty.
In 613, Li Yuan proclaimed himself emperor in Chang'an and established the Tang Dynasty. And Qin Qiong also became famous in the first battle, and established important military exploits in the campaign against Liu Heimin, Wang Shichong and other enemies. Especially in the battle against the Wagang army in 620, Qin Qiong held the Fang Tian painting halberd, as if he was in a no-man's land, invincible, and captured the commander of the Wagang army in one go.
Among these exploits, the one that made Qin Qiong famous the most was the Xuanwumen Revolution in 626. In this coup d'état, Qin Qiong made great contributions to Li Shimin. When Li Shimin ordered Qin Qiong to go to Momen to discuss the matter and test the opportunity to launch a coup d'état the next day, Qin Qiong lived up to the trust and successfully moved Momen to support Li Shimin's move. In the coup d'état the next day, Qin Qiong entered the palace with Wei Chigong and successfully defeated Wang Shichong, allowing Li Shimin to capture the Tang Dynasty in one fell swoop.
After the success of the Xuanwumen Revolution, Li Shimin ascended the throne as emperor and was for Tang Taizong. And Qin Qiong also made the first contribution in this coup, and became an indispensable confidant under Li Shimin.
The son's tombstone reveals the truth
After supporting Li Shimin to seize the Tang Dynasty, Qin Qiong followed Li Shimin to make great achievements in the Northern Expedition. In 632, in the Battle of Jiyuhe, which defeated the Eastern Turks, Qin Qiong and Li Jing were called the palace army, repelled the Eastern Turkic army, and made a decisive contribution to the victory of the Tang army.
In 637, Qin Qiong accompanied Li Shimin to conquer Goguryeo, and in this battle, he broke through several cities and killed more than 30,000 people. In 639, he followed Li Shimin to quell the rebellion of Li Jiancheng's son, Li Rebellion. In these battles, Qin Qiong established important feats.
However, what is even more shocking is the content of the tombstone of Qin Qiong's son excavated in recent years. The tombstone records that in 640, Qin Qiong defeated another fierce general of the Tang Dynasty, Wei Chi Jingde, in the Battle of Jiuqu. This historical fact, which was originally little known, was exposed to the world from a tombstone.
Wei Chi Jingde, whose name is Rentai, is a brave and fierce general under the command of Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, and has made great achievements. Together with Qin Qiong, Li Jing, and Hou Junji, he is known as the "Four Generals of Wude", and he is a well-deserved first general of the Tang Dynasty.
According to the records of the tombstone, in 640, Qin Qiong was ordered by Li Shimin to go to Goryeo, passing through Jiuqu and encountering the German army of Wei Chijing. The two armies fought fiercely, and Qin Qiong, with his amazing tactics and extraordinary bravery, broke the captain Chi Jingde and forced the other party to be spared.
This historical event not only shows that Qin Qiong's military talent is far superior to that of another military general, Chi Jingde, but also shows his irreplaceable position at that time - the title of the first fierce general of the Sui and Tang dynasties is well deserved.
Quitting the battlefield, the ambition is not rewarded
After making countless achievements, Qin Qiong has gradually withdrawn from the front line. Although he no longer fights on the battlefield as he did when he was young, his years of military career have allowed him to accumulate rich experience in managing and employing troops. In the rear, he became one of Li Shimin's most relied on military advisers.
In 646, Qin Qiong was ordered to advise Li Shimin as a righteous doctor, and was reused by Li Shimin. At this time, he was already a gray-haired veteran, but his eagle-like eyes were still bright. Li Shimin often played against him in the air and listened to his advice; Whenever he hunts, he also likes to summon him to accompany him and talk about major events in the world.
However, the good times did not last long, and in 649, Qin Qiong, who had just become famous, suddenly died of illness, which undoubtedly shocked the government and the opposition at that time. Li Shimin held a grand funeral for Qin Qiong, went to mourn in person, and wrote a memorial text in person, extremely mourning.
Although Qin Qiong failed to witness the day when he assisted Li Shimin to push the Tang Dynasty to its peak, his lifelong achievements and influence have become an immortal legend. After his death, Li Shimin posthumously awarded him the title of Duke of Weiguo to show his condolences and respect for this confidant general.
epilogue
Qin Qiong's story is by no means limited to his lifetime. After he went to the country bravely, the people always regarded him as a hero of the eternal generation alongside other famous generals of the Tang Dynasty. In literature and drama, Qin Qiong's brave and mighty image is infinitely colorful, and a demigod and half-human hero is vividly presented from it. The reputation of "righteous master" has also become the best portrayal of his wisdom and bravery.
In recent years, archaeologists have discovered the great historical significance of the tombstone of Qin Qiongzi's tomb, which is also thought-provoking. The history we thought was still full of untold stories; The characters we are familiar with also contain endless mysteries. This first warrior of the Sui and Tang dynasties still inspires future generations with his majestic life legend and inspires us to explore history infinitely.
When we remember this hero of the ages, his image has gone far beyond the identity of a person. Qin Qiong, together with his heroic era, has become an eternal part of the memory of the Chinese nation. The integrity he represents, the heroic righteousness like a hussar, is still burning in the hearts of every Chinese son. This may be the real immortality of the first warrior of the Sui and Tang dynasties!