Preface
Huo Quai, an outstanding general of the ancient Han Dynasty, made great achievements in his conquests, and the four cities he conquered were given four names, which are still known today. You've probably heard of these names, but did you know that they are derived from Huo Qu's achievements?
Today, we will delve into the places where Huo Quzhi fought and revealed how the names of these four cities have been used to this day, becoming a vivid footnote to the fusion of history and modernity.
This is a story about the heroism of generals, the inheritance of the city and the historical city, and the legend of how the name carved by Huo Qubing in the smoke of war was born and preserved for thousands of years. Follow us through time and feel the ancient era of heroic pride and city inheritance.
1. Humble family background brews ambitions
After 140 years of long nights, the silence was broken by the cry of a baby. This is the moment when Huo Quzhi was born into the world.
He was born into a humble family, his father was a minor official in the court, and his mother was a lady-in-waiting. Such a family background, in the social environment at that time, was simply the lowest fate.
However, even if he was born in the lower class, Huo Quai's parents did not give up their expectations for their children. They work hard and use their meager income to support their infant children. At the same time, a private school teacher was regularly invited to teach the poor child some basic reading and writing.
When he grew up, Huo Quzhi didn't seem to care about this, and even complained in a low voice sometimes: "I'm not the son of a big family, what's the use of learning this?"
However, his parents saw much further than him. They knew that as long as Huo Qubing was willing to study hard, he might be able to change his fate through the imperial examination and get a better future in the officialdom.
So, under the ardent expectation and supervision of his parents, Huo Quzhi gradually understood the meaning of reading. He began to study hard and made friends with the children of official eunuchs. These friends also admired him very much when they saw that he was smart and studious, and gradually brought him into the upper class.
In this way, Huo Quzhi's family has also gained a certain promotion. The opportunity that his parents won for him finally gave him the opportunity to enter the palace and come to a higher stage.
Second, a teenager who is eager to soar
When he was 18 years old, it was during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, and the Xiongnu border troubles were still frequent. At this time, Huo Qubing was already an envoy in the court, and often served the emperor.
One day, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty asked his ministers: "My Han country is strong, but I have been repeatedly bullied and insulted by the Xiongnu, how is it good?" As soon as these words came out, the hall was suddenly silent. The ministers looked at each other, but no one responded.
At this time, a short young man was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, the minister is willing to lead the troops to attack and drive out the Huns for the Son of Heaven!" Everyone turned their heads and saw that it was 18-year-old Huo Quai!
Emperor Wu was taken aback when he heard this, and asked again and again: "You are young, how can you understand military affairs? How can you take on this heavy responsibility?" Huo Quzhi resolutely replied: "Although the minister is young, can he be worse than ordinary people in riding and archery martial arts?" The minister is willing to lead the elite 800 men and horses deep into the hinterland of the Xiongnu to deliver good news to His Majesty!"
Emperor Wu was overjoyed when he heard this, and immediately named him a marshal, leading 800 elite soldiers to go deep into the hinterland of the Xiongnu to carry out a surprise attack plan. Before the expedition, all the officers and men of the army showed ambition on their faces and vowed to be ashamed of the Han Dynasty. Huo Qubing shouted on horseback: "Follow me on an expedition, you will be famous!" The soldiers cheered loudly when they heard this, and they were ready to embark on the journey.
3. Became famous and famous in the first war, and frequently defeated the Huns
This expedition was crucial to Huo Qu's disease. Whether he can succeed in the surprise attack is directly related to his future prospects.
However, it was only after he actually set foot on the battlefield that he realized the daunting nature of the situation. On the devastated battlefield, corpses are strewn all over the field. The Xiongnu were brave and good at fighting, forming a heavy encirclement of our army.
At this moment, Huo Qubing is responsible for being a marshal, so he naturally can't cower. He boosted morale, led the army to break through the siege of the Xiongnu head-on, and took a detour from the camp. Charge into battle along the way, and drive straight in.
In the end, they successfully attacked Shan Yu's camp, captured Shan Yu's uncle alive, and returned with a complete victory. This battle became famous in one fell swoop, Huo Quai's reputation spread far and wide, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also greatly appreciated it.
Since then, Huo Qubing has led the army deep into the hinterland of the Xiongnu many times, and frequently made military achievements. Even Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty couldn't help but praise: "An emperor like me is nothing more than that! What is the origin of this kid, he is a natural general!"
In this way, Huo Quzhi has gradually accumulated rich practical experience and is more comfortable. His ambition also swelled more and more, and he was determined to expand the territory for the emperor of the Han Dynasty.
Fourth, the ambition to die generously withered
However, the progress was eventually blocked. During an operation deep into the hinterland of the Xiongnu, Huo Qu was accidentally injured by an arrow and had to lead the army to retreat. After that, he never had the opportunity to fight north, so he had to spend a short period of six years in solitude in his bed. The doctor diagnosed that his injuries were dead, as if the lamp he had drawn was about to burn out. At the age of 24, in the tearful sorrow of his mother, he gradually closed his heavy eyes. His short but brilliant life came to an end. After all, people are not as good as heaven!
Fifth, Huo Qu's disease, which has been famous for thousands of years
Later generations commented on this young general, mostly as a praise for his generosity to death. Indeed, his bravery and heroism and his pride in single-handedly driving out the powerful enemies of the north have been praised through the ages.
However, what really made him famous through the ages was the new names of the four counties taken when he pacified the Hexi Corridor. These four names are still in use today! This is the core of the story.
It was Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty who sent him to the west to quell the rebellion in the Hexi region. Before this expedition, Huo Qubing was at the peak of his military career. He was full of pride, regardless of the accumulated injuries and illnesses, and vowed to make great achievements.
This time, however, it wasn't as smooth as before. The Huns had been prepared for a long time and blocked the main road. Our army suffered heavy casualties and made slow progress. In the impasse that could not be broken, Huo Quzhi had a whim. He decided to take a detour and help the Han forces encircle and annihilate the rebels.
This time, the surprise attack plan worked again. Soon, Huo Qubing led the leading troops into the Hexi Corridor. After capturing the four cities here, he named them Liangzhou, Dunhuang, Zhangye, and Jiuquan.
6. Kawanishi Shigun-ryu Fang Chiko
All four of these names are famous.
Dunhuang has now become one of the most prestigious tourist attractions in the mainland. The beauty of the grotto art of Mogao Grottoes is unparalleled in the world. Merchants on the Silk Road have long made this an important supply station.
Zhangye, perhaps most people are not familiar with it, but the geographical location of this city is very important. From the point of view of our army, the occupation of this place is tantamount to mastering the strategic point. Nowadays, it has also become a famous tourist city.
Another example is Jiuquan, the origin of its name is even more magical. The origin of Huo Qu's name back then was from a clear spring under the city. The water is clear and sweet, like a fine wine, and it is a pleasure for travelers with dry mouths. So this city was named Jiuquan, which has been passed down through the ages.
Liangzhou was also his name, and now it has been changed to Wuwei. But the historical achievements behind these names will always remember his outstanding military exploits.
epilogue
After Huo Quai's untimely death, the ruler also tried to divert the attention of the people. After all, as a general who rebelled against the Han family, he must have made many mistakes in the battles everywhere.
However, all this cover-up did not help. The people have long worshiped him as a demigod, and countless beautiful legends will always remember the figure of this young hero.
In the final analysis, the great achievements he made in his short life are still deeply imprinted in the blood and bones of this land. Liangzhou, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiuquan, these four names that have been used for thousands of years, are the best witnesses!