Wei Qing

TLDR: Wei Qing, a former slave turned general, led successful campaigns against the Xiongnu, expanding the Han Dynasty’s territory and influence significantly.

Wei Qing’s story never fails to amaze me. From a humble slave to one of the most celebrated generals in Chinese history, his life reads like an epic tale of triumph against all odds. Born into obscurity during the Han Dynasty, Wei Qing’s rise to power and his subsequent military exploits against the Xiongnu are nothing short of extraordinary. His innovative tactics and strategic brilliance not only expanded the Han Empire’s borders but also reshaped the balance of power in ancient East Asia.

Early Life of Wei Qing

Wei Qing’s early life is a tale of humble beginnings and adversity. Born as Zheng Qing in Linfen, Shanxi, he was the illegitimate child of Zheng Ji, a low-level official in Pingyang County, and Wei Ao, a servant in the household of Cao Shou, the Marquess of Pingyang. Wei Qing’s birth was the result of an extramarital affair, which significantly impacted his early years and social status.

Wei Qing’s family situation was complex. He had four half-siblings from his mother’s marriage: an elder brother and three sisters, including Wei Zifu, who would later become Empress to Emperor Wu of Han. This connection to Wei Zifu would prove crucial in shaping Wei Qing’s future trajectory.

Wei Qing’s childhood was marked by hardship and mistreatment. Initially sent to live with his biological father due to his mother’s financial difficulties, Wei Qing faced severe abuse and discrimination in the Zheng household. Treated as a slave rather than a family member, he was forced to work as a sheepherder and endured constant mistreatment from his step-family.

Unable to tolerate the abuse, the young Wei Qing eventually fled back to his mother’s side during his early teenage years. He found employment as a stableboy in the estate of the Marquess of Pingyang, where his mother worked. It was during this time that Wei Qing adopted his mother’s surname, Wei, severing ties with his paternal family.

Wei Qing’s Rise to Power

Wei Qing’s ascent to power began with a fortuitous encounter between Emperor Wu of Han and Wei Qing’s half-sister, Wei Zifu. In 139 BCE, Emperor Wu visited the Pingyang mansion and was immediately captivated by Wei Zifu. This chance meeting set in motion a series of events that would dramatically alter Wei Qing’s life trajectory.

Initially, Wei Zifu’s position in the palace was precarious. However, when she became pregnant a year later, her status improved significantly. This development aroused jealousy from Empress Chen, leading to a potentially dangerous situation for Wei Qing, who was working in the Jianzhang Palace at the time. Fortunately, Wei Qing’s colleague Gongsun Ao intervened, saving him from harm.

Emperor Wu’s anger at the situation turned into a boon for Wei Qing. At the age of seventeen, Wei Qing was suddenly entrusted with supervising the construction of the Jianzhang Palace and allowed to remain close to the emperor. Meanwhile, Wei Zifu was elevated to the position of a lady in the imperial court.

Wei Qing’s rise within the imperial court was swift and substantial. His initial appointment as supervisor of the Jianzhang Palace construction was just the beginning. Over the next decade, from 138 BCE to 129 BCE, Wei Qing held several significant positions that brought him increasingly closer to the center of power.

One of Wei Qing’s early roles was that of an attendant, which allowed him to stay in close proximity to Emperor Wu. This position gave Wei Qing unprecedented access to court affairs and discussions, providing him with invaluable insights into the workings of the imperial government.

Wei Qing’s competence and loyalty did not go unnoticed. He was soon promoted to the position of Grand Doctor of the Central Palace, a role that came with an annual salary of a thousand dan of grain. This position allowed Wei Qing to participate directly in court discussions and decision-making processes.

Wei Qing’s Military Career

In 129 BCE, Emperor Wu of Han made a pivotal decision that would reshape the empire’s military strategy. He appointed Wei Qing as the General of Chariots and Cavalry (車騎將軍), a prestigious position that marked the beginning of Wei Qing’s illustrious military career. This appointment came at a critical time when the Han Empire was facing persistent threats from the Xiongnu, a nomadic confederation that had long harassed China’s northern borders. Emperor Wu’s decision to elevate Wei Qing to this high-ranking position demonstrated his confidence in Wei Qing’s abilities, despite his lack of prior military experience.

Wei Qing’s first campaign against the Xiongnu in 129 BCE was a defining moment in Han military history. Emperor Wu dispatched Wei Qing along with three other generals – Gongsun Ao, Gongsun He, and Li Guang – each leading a force of 10,000 cavalry. This multi-pronged attack was a response to Xiongnu incursions into the Shanggu Commandery.

Despite being the least experienced of the four commanders, Wei Qing distinguished himself with a remarkable victory. While his colleagues either suffered losses or failed to engage the enemy, Wei Qing led a successful long-distance raid on Longcheng, a holy site of the Xiongnu. This daring assault resulted in the death of over 700 Xiongnu soldiers guarding the location, marking the first significant victory against the Xiongnu in Han history.

Wei Qing’s success in this campaign was not just a military triumph but a psychological one as well. It shattered the aura of invincibility that had surrounded the Xiongnu and boosted Han morale. As a reward for his victory, Wei Qing was promoted to a higher command and granted the title of acting marquess (關內侯).

Wei Qing’s Major Military Campaigns

The Battle of Longcheng (128 BCE)

In 128 BCE, Wei Qing led a significant campaign against the Xiongnu, resulting in a decisive victory. Commanding a force of 30,000 cavalry, Wei Qing advanced from Yanmen and struck deep into Xiongnu territory. This campaign demonstrated Wei Qing’s ability to lead large-scale operations and his tactical acumen in mobile warfare. The battle resulted in thousands of Xiongnu casualties, marking a significant blow to their military strength.

Campaign in Henan (127 BCE)

The following year, Wei Qing launched a brilliant campaign in the Henan region. Leading a force of 40,000 cavalry, he employed a strategy of indirect approach and flank attacks. Wei Qing’s forces swiftly captured Gaoque, effectively cutting off the Xiongnu forces in Henan from their main body. This maneuver isolated the Xiongnu kings Aries and Loufan from the Chanyu’s royal court. The campaign culminated in the capture of thousands of enemy soldiers and millions of livestock, securing control over the strategically important Hetao region.

Victory over the Right Worthy Prince (124 BCE)

In 124 BCE, Wei Qing achieved perhaps his most stunning victory. Responding to raids by the Xiongnu’s Right Worthy Prince near Shuofang, Wei Qing led a daring night assault with 30,000 cavalrymen. Launching from Gaoque, his forces completely surprised the Xiongnu camp. The attack was so sudden that the Right Worthy Prince barely escaped, fleeing in a drunken state. This decisive victory resulted in about 15,000 Xiongnu captives, including several nobles, and the seizure of millions of cattle.

The Ordos Desert Campaign (127 BCE)

Wei Qing’s campaign in the Ordos Desert region in 127 BCE was a pivotal moment in the Han-Xiongnu conflict. Leading an invasion force, Wei Qing successfully retook control of the entire Ordos region from the Xiongnu. This campaign not only expanded Han territory but also dealt a severe blow to Xiongnu power in the region. Following the conquest, the Han established two new commanderies, Wuyuan and Shuofang, and resettled about 100,000 people in the area.

Wei Qing’s Strategic Innovations

Wei Qing revolutionized Han military strategy with his innovative use of long-distance raids against the Xiongnu. His first major success came in 129 BCE when he led a daring raid on Longcheng, a holy site of the Xiongnu, resulting in over 700 enemy casualties. This tactic allowed Han forces to strike deep into enemy territory, catching the Xiongnu off guard and disrupting their operations. In 124 BCE, Wei Qing launched another successful long-distance raid from Gaoque with 30,000 cavalrymen, completely surprising the Right Worthy Prince’s camp.

Wei Qing’s night assault tactics proved particularly effective against the Xiongnu. In 124 BCE, he led a crushing night attack on the camp of the Right Worthy Prince, catching the Xiongnu leader in a drunken state and forcing him to flee. This surprise attack resulted in about 15,000 Xiongnu captives and the seizure of millions of cattle. Wei Qing’s ability to move large forces quietly and strike under the cover of darkness gave the Han a significant tactical advantage.

Perhaps Wei Qing’s most innovative contribution was his use of circular encampments fortified with Wugang chariots. During the Battle of Mobei in 119 BCE, Wei Qing ordered his troops to arrange heavy-armored war wagons known as “Wu Gang Chariots” (武刚车) into ring formations. These mobile fortresses provided protection for archers, crossbowmen, and infantry against Xiongnu cavalry charges while allowing Han troops to utilize their ranged weapons effectively. This defensive formation, combined with a 5,000-strong cavalry force for reinforcement, proved highly effective in countering the nomadic cavalry’s momentum.

Wei Qing’s Role in Han Expansion

Wei Qing played a pivotal role in the Han Dynasty’s expansion into the strategically important Hexi Corridor. In 127 BCE, Wei Qing led a massive campaign with 40,000 cavalry from Yunzhong Commandery, outflanking and surrounding the forces of the Xiongnu’s Princes of Loufan and Baiyang. This decisive victory forced the Xiongnu to withdraw from the fertile Hetao region, dealing a devastating blow to their economy and opening the way for Han control of the Hexi Corridor.

The conquest of the Hexi Corridor was a game-changing achievement for the Han Empire. This narrow strip of land, extending from Wushaoling Mountain in the east to Dunhuang city in the west, served as a crucial passageway for trade and cultural exchange. By securing this region, Wei Qing not only expanded Han territory but also severed the Xiongnu’s connections with the Western Regions, significantly curtailing their influence in the area.

Following the successful military campaigns, Wei Qing’s conquests paved the way for the establishment of new administrative units in the newly acquired territories. The Han Empire consolidated its control over the Hexi Corridor by establishing four pivotal commanderies: Wuwei, Jiuquan, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. These commanderies, collectively known as the “Four Commanderies of Hexi” (河西四郡), became crucial strongholds for both offensive and defensive campaigns against the Xiongnu.

The establishment of these commanderies was a strategic masterstroke. It not only strengthened Han administrative control over the region but also created a robust infrastructure for further westward expansion. The city of Shuofang, built as part of this expansion, became a key stronghold in the ongoing conflict with the Xiongnu.

Wei Qing’s Personal Life

Wei Qing’s marriage to Princess Pingyang, also known as Grand Princess Yangxin, was a remarkable turn of events that reflected the social mobility possible in the Han Dynasty. Initially, Wei Qing served as a stableboy in Princess Pingyang’s estate. Years later, after Wei Qing had risen to prominence as a successful general, Princess Pingyang considered remarrying following the death of her second husband, Xiahou Po, in 115 BCE. Despite initial hesitation due to Wei Qing’s former status as her servant, Princess Pingyang agreed to the marriage after being reminded of Wei Qing’s current high rank as a marquis.

The union was facilitated through Empress Wei, Wei Qing’s half-sister, who conveyed Princess Pingyang’s wishes to Emperor Wu. The emperor gave his blessing to the marriage, and Wei Qing became Princess Pingyang’s third husband. This marriage solidified Wei Qing’s position within the imperial family and demonstrated the complex interplay of personal relationships and political alliances in the Han court.

Wei Qing’s relationship with Emperor Wu was multifaceted, evolving from that of a lowly servant to a trusted general and family member. The initial connection was established through Wei Qing’s half-sister, Wei Zifu, who became Emperor Wu’s favored consort and later empress. Wei Qing’s rise to prominence began when he followed his sister to the imperial palace as a horsekeeper.

A pivotal moment in their relationship occurred when Wei Qing faced a life-threatening situation orchestrated by Grand Princess Liu Piao, mother of the then-Empress Chen Jiao. Emperor Wu’s response to this incident demonstrated his growing favor towards Wei Qing. He appointed Wei Qing to a high position in the Jianzhang Palace, effectively protecting him from further harm and showering him with wealth.

Emperor Wu recognized Wei Qing’s military potential and appointed him as General of Chariots and Cavalry in 129 BCE. This appointment marked the beginning of Wei Qing’s illustrious military career and solidified his position as one of Emperor Wu’s most trusted advisors and military leaders.

Wei Qing’s Final Campaign

In 119 BCE, Emperor Wu of Han launched an ambitious campaign against the Xiongnu, known as the Mobei Campaign. Wei Qing, as the Grand Commander of the armed forces, led one of the two main armies in this massive expedition. The campaign was unprecedented in scale, with Wei Qing commanding 50,000 cavalrymen and 100,000 infantrymen and charioteers. The objective was to strike at the heart of Xiongnu territory, north of the Gobi Desert, a region previously considered too challenging for large-scale military operations.

The battle against Yizhixie Chanyu, the Xiongnu leader, proved to be Wei Qing’s most challenging and significant engagement. Despite facing harsh desert conditions and a well-prepared enemy, Wei Qing’s tactical acumen shone through. He employed an innovative strategy using circular formations of armored chariots as mobile fortresses, which provided protection for his troops while allowing them to effectively use their ranged weapons.

During the battle, Wei Qing’s forces nearly captured Yizhixie Chanyu, killing over 10,000 Xiongnu soldiers and pursuing the enemy all the way to the modern Ulan Bator region. The Han army destroyed the Xiongnu stronghold Zhao Xin Castle before returning triumphantly with approximately 19,000 enemy kills. This victory was narrow but critically significant, as it forced the Xiongnu to retreat deep into the barren northern Gobi desert, severely weakening their ability to raid Han territories for the next decade.

Wei Qing’s Death and Aftermath

Wei Qing passed away 11 years after the Mobei Campaign, around 108 BCE. Emperor Wu honored him with burial next to the imperial mausoleum, a testament to Wei Qing’s significant contributions to the Han Dynasty. However, Wei Qing’s death marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for his family and the Han court.

Shortly after Wei Qing’s passing, a series of political intrigues unfolded. The crown prince Liu Ju, who was closely associated with Wei Qing’s family, was framed and committed suicide after failing in a decisive battle. Wei Qing’s sister, Queen Wei Zifu, also took her own life in the aftermath. Wei Qing’s first son was implicated and sentenced to death, while his two other sons and grandsons were forced to maintain a low profile.

It wasn’t until decades later, when Liu Xun (Emperor Xuan of Han) ascended to the throne, that Wei Qing’s clan was rewarded and honored again. From that point on, Wei Qing’s descendants, though occasionally recognized, gradually faded from public prominence.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on Wei Qing’s life and achievements, I’m struck by the sheer magnitude of his impact on the Han Dynasty and beyond. His final campaign in 119 BCE, though less successful than his earlier exploits, marked the culmination of a remarkable military career. Wei Qing’s legacy, in my opinion, goes beyond his battlefield victories. His rise from slavery to the highest echelons of power serves as a testament to the meritocratic ideals of the Han Dynasty. While his death marked the end of an era, the strategies he pioneered and the territories he conquered continued to shape China’s relationship with its northern neighbors for centuries to come.