In the Han-Hungarian War 2,000 years ago, there was not only Huo Quzhi's bold words of "the Huns have not been destroyed, why should they be at home", but also a tragic battle to defend the city that was almost forgotten. Imagine a man leading a lone army, holding on to his faith during a long siege, and finally writing a legend. This is a story of loyalty and valor, set in an ancient frontier. How did this unsung hero turn things around in a desperate situation?
In 73 AD, the Eastern Han Dynasty had just unified the world, and in the face of the disintegrating Xiongnu and the turbulent Western Regions, Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty decided to revive the influence of the Han Dynasty in the Western Regions. At that time, although the strength of the Xiongnu was not as good as before, it was still not to be underestimated. The Han Dynasty sent General Dou Gu to lead the army to attack in four directions, with the aim of pacifying the Western Regions in one fell swoop and re-establishing the prestige of the Han Dynasty.
The name Dou Gu may not be as well-known as Huo Quzhi, but his military talent is by no means inferior. He was not only the son-in-law of Emperor Guangwu, but also a strategist who was deeply trusted by the emperor. The Eastern Han army led by Dou Gu successively broke through a number of fortresses of the Northern Xiongnu, greatly weakening their power. More importantly, he also outwitted the Western Regions and recaptured Iwulu in one fell swoop, which is a strategic location that is directly related to the control of the Western Regions.
Just when the army was triumphant, Dou Gu also took a fancy to an inconspicuous general - Geng Gong. Geng Gong, born in Jiangmen, is the type who was born to be happy when he hears war. His uncle Geng Yi is a top general, and Geng Gong naturally inherited the family's military talent. Geng Gong was appointed by Dou Gu as the captain of Wuji and stationed in Jinpucheng, a chariot division in the northwest.
The geographical location of Jinpu City is very important, and it is a transportation artery connecting the Han Dynasty and the countries of the Western Regions. But it also means that if something gets in the air, it's the first place to be hit. Sure enough, not long after Dou Gu led the main army back to the Central Plains, the remnants of the Northern Xiongnu tried to regain the lost territory.
When King Zuoluli of the Northern Xiongnu led an army of 20,000 and suddenly attacked the newly annexed Han Dynasty's chariot division, the situation became very urgent. After Geng Gong learned the news, he did not hesitate at all, and immediately sent the most elite 300 soldiers under his command to support. But in the face of the enemy's huge forces, this brave squad was soon wiped out.
Immediately afterwards, the team of the Northern Xiongnu went straight to Jinpu City. Geng Gong knew that if Jinpu City was lost, the entire Western Regions would face a huge threat. So, he decided to stick to the end and swore to live and die with the city. Geng Gong hung arrows on the city walls, and the soldiers in the city were ready for battle. They knew that it could be a battle without reinforcements, a real test of life and death.
The Xiongnu army attacked fiercely, and their iron cavalry stormed the city walls like a torrent. But Geng Gong's army was as impregnable as a rock. They took advantage of the high terrain of the city and fired waves of arrows, causing heavy casualties to the Xiongnu army. The battle lasted a whole month, but the Huns were never able to break through the defense line of Jinpu City.
As time passed, the Huns began to run short of food and grass, and their morale gradually declined. However, Geng Gong always maintained the morale and combat effectiveness of the army, and he often went to the front line to share weal and woe with the soldiers. This charisma and unwavering belief in leadership have deeply influenced every fighter.
Eventually, after a year-long siege, the Huns finally retreated. They failed to break through Jinpu City, nor did they fail to break Geng Gong's will. Geng Gong's heroic performance not only preserved Jinpu City, but also stabilized the position of the Han Dynasty in the Western Regions. Although this battle is not as well-known as Huo Quai's Battle of Changping, its significance is no less than any major war.
The story of Geng Gong is the epitome of the heroic ambitions of countless people of that era. In the midst of war and blood, they demonstrated their indomitable fighting spirit and loyalty to the country. This spirit has become a valuable asset to inspire future generations.
By looking back at Geng Gong's heroic resistance in Jinpucheng, it is not difficult for us to find that history is always strikingly similar. Whether it was 2,000 years ago or today, those who persist in their beliefs and move forward bravely in the face of adversity can always leave a strong mark in the long river of history. Geng Gong's story is not only an ode to personal heroism, but also a reflection of the brilliance of human nature in the context of the entire era. Let's remember these heroes who have been buried by time, because it is they who have shaped the world we are today.