Zhang Xutuo

Last updated
Zhang Xutuo
张须陀
Born566 [1]
Hongnong Commandery
DiedDecember 616 (aged 49–50) [2]
Dahai Temple near Xingyang
Burial place Lingbao City, Henan, China
NationalityImperial China
Sui dynasty
OccupationGeneral
Children1 son

Zhang Xutuo, courtesy name Guo, [3] (566 - December 616) was one of the most celebrated generals during the Sui dynasty. He was best known for his achievements in suppressing rebellions and uprisings during Emperor Yang's reign.

Contents

In history

Zhang Xutuo originally served in the military under the command of Shi Wansui during the campaign against Cuanman in 597. After this campaign, he was promoted to be a mid-ranked officer. In 604, Emperor Yang's younger brother Yang Liang rebelled against the emperor seeking for the throne. Zhang Xutuo took part in the campaign against Yang Liang under the command of Yang Su. he was promoted again after this battle. [4]

In 610, Zhang Xutuo became a local governor of Qi Prefecture. At that time, Sui dynasty was invading the Goguryeo and there was no cereals left in the barns of Qi. Coincidentally, Qi Prefecture suffered from natural disasters during the same year. Zhang Xutuo thus ordered to hand out everything left in the storage to save people. His advisors warmed him that he had no authority to do this, but he did it anyway at the risk of being punished by the emperor. As a result, he obtained great reputation among people in Qi Prefecture, and the emperor was also very proud of what he did. [5]

In 611, led by Wang Bo, the first peasant uprising of Sui dynasty broke out in Zouping region near Qi Prefecture. Zhang Xutuo led his troop to Zouping and drove out the peasant force. Wang Bo retreated to Lu Prefecture and then to Mountain Tai, but still, he was eventually defeated by Zhang Xutuo. Wang Bo ran to the north and was ambushed by Zhang Xutuo again near the Yellow River. Wang Bo's uprising triggered massive peasant rebellions all around the Sui dynasty. He had to run further north. [6] In 613, Wang Bo, allied with other peasant forces, such as Sun Xuanya and Hao Xiaode, went back and fought against Zhang Xutuo. Zhang Xutuo, allied with another Sui general Zhou Fashang, attacked the peasant alliance near Zhangqiu and seriously weakened the peasant force. Wang Bo, Sun Xuanya and Hao Xiaode fled away and eventually submitted to Dou Jiande. After this battle, Zhang Xutuo was praised by the emperor for his bravery and intelligence. The emperor even ordered to have a copy of Zhang's portrayal hanging on the wall in his palace. [7]

After the battle at Zhangqiu, Zhang Xutuo continued fighting against rebellion forces. Major peasant rebels in Shandong region including Pei Changcai, Shi Zihe, [8] Guo Fangyu, [9] Zuo Xiaoyou, [10] Lu Mingyue, [11] Lyu Mingxing, Shuai Rentai and Huo Xiaohan [12] were all defeated by Zhang Xutuo. Zhang Xutuo also discovered and promoted several talented warriors, including Qin Shubao and Luo Shixin, from his troops. In 614, Zhang Xutuo was appointed by the central court as the chief commander of Eastern China and the guard of Qi.

In December 616, Zhang Xutuo met his strongest opponent in the battlefield, the Wagang Army led by Zhai Rang and Li Mi. During the Battle of Dahai Temple against Wagang Army, Zhang Xutuo was ambushed and surrounded by Wagang forces led by Wang Bodang, Shan Xiongxin and Xu Shiji, near the city of Xingyang. He managed to break the encirclement after a bloody battle, but he went back into the encirclement after realizing that some of his subordinates, such as Fan Hu and Tang Wanren, were still desperately fighting in the field. He charged at Wagang Army for several times trying to save his subordinates, but he failed and was eventually killed in the battle by Wagang Army. After the battle, his surviving troops all cried for him, and the emperor was very sad after hearing this news.

Zhang Xutuo was buried on the site of the battlefield. Later, during the Tang dynasty, his grandsons relocated his grave to Lingbao on 20 March 711. [13] His grave was discovered by archaeologists in 2009. According to the record on his tombstone, he was also good at writing and literature.

Although Zhang Xutuo rarely appears in folk tales or dramas, his stories triggered the creation of the fictional person called Yang Lin, who was believed to be one of the best warriors of Sui dynasty, and was given the title of Prince of Backing (Kaoshan Wang) by the emperor.

Family

Notable ancestor:

Great Grandfather:

Grandfather:

Father:

Son:

Grandsons:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emperor Gaozu of Han</span> Emperor of the Han dynasty from 202 to 195 BC

Emperor Gaozu of Han, also known by his given name Liu Bang, was the founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty, reigning from 202 to 195 BC. He is considered by traditional Chinese historiography to be one of the greatest emperors in history, credited with establishing the first Pax Sinica, one of China's longest golden ages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chen Yuanyuan</span> Chinese Ming Dynasty female singer and actress

Chen Yuanyuan was a Chinese courtesan who later became the concubine of military leader Wu Sangui. In Chinese folklore, the Shun army's capture of her in 1644 prompted Wu's fateful decision to let the Qing armies enter China proper through Shanhai Pass, thereby sealing the fate of the Ming dynasty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Li Jue (Han dynasty)</span> Chinese military general (died 198)

Li Jue, courtesy name Zhiran, was a Chinese military general, politician, and warlord serving under the autocratic warlord Dong Zhuo during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China. He later succeeded Dong Zhuo as the leader of the Liang Province faction after Dong Zhuo was murdered in a coup d'état, and was able to take over the Han imperial capital Chang'an, keeping Emperor Xian as a hostage. Despite being adept in military affairs, he was inept at politics, quarrelling with his fellow generals and making the bad decision to let Emperor Xian escape, greatly decreasing his power and precipitating his downfall.

Xu Rong was a military general serving under the warlord Dong Zhuo during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China.

Huangfu Song, courtesy name Yizhen, was a military general who lived during the Eastern Han dynasty of China. He is best known for helping to suppress the Yellow Turban Rebellion and Liang Province Rebellion. He was one of three imperial commanders when the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, along with Zhu Jun and Lu Zhi. He was known to be a modest and generous person. Lu Zhi was removed from command after the eunuch Zuo Feng (左豐) made false accusations against him; Lu Zhi had refused to bribe Zuo Feng. Huangfu Song, who took over command of the imperial troops from Lu Zhi, continued to use Lu as a strategist and reported his contributions to the imperial court. Thus, in the same year, Lu Zhi regained his post as Master of Writing (尚书).

Xue Xu was a Chinese military general and politician of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China.

The Battle of Jwawon was a battle between the forces of the Han's Xuantu Commandery and Goguryeo. It resulted in a victory under the command of Myeongnim Dap-bu during the 26th year of the reign of King Sindae, the 8th ruler of Goguryeo.

Mao Wenlong, courtesy name Zhennan, was a Chinese military general of the Ming dynasty, best known for commanding an independent detachment based in Dongjiang, a strategically important island in the Yellow Sea that defended the coastal corridor into the Ming vassal state Joseon, where he engaged harassing naval and amphibious battles against the Manchu-led Later Jin. He was also known for excelling in artillery warfare and successfully incorporating Western-style tactics into the Chinese military.

Chen Qingzhi, courtesy name Ziyun, posthumous name Wu (武), was a prominent general of the Liang dynasty. He is best known for his campaign in 528 to 529 to crush Northern Wei. With an alleged force of only 7,000 soldiers, he invaded Northern Wei and conquered the regions of Henan and Shandong. However, he lost them again after being counterattacked by a Wei force ten times larger. Despite this, his success in conquering Northern China, albeit briefly, with (allegedly) only 7,000 soldiers made him a famous commander in Chinese history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhang Gongjin</span>

Zhang Gongjin, courtesy name Hongshen, titled Duke of Tan, was an official and general during the Tang dynasty of China. He played an important role in the Xuanwu Gate Incident in 626 which helped Emperor Taizong obtained the crown. He was a key general of Tang dynasty during the campaign against Illig Qaghan of Tujue. Because of his contributions, he was listed as one of 24 founding officials of Tang dynasty honored on the Lingyan Pavilion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qutu Tong</span>

Qutu Tong, titled Duke of Jiang, Xianbei name Tandouba (坦豆拔), was a general in the Sui and Tang dynasties of China. He was listed as one of 24 founding officials of the Tang dynasty honored on the Lingyan Pavilion due to his contributions in wars during the transitional period from Sui to Tang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yin Kaishan</span>

Yin Jiao, better known by his courtesy name Kaishan, titled Duke Jie of Xun, was a general and officer in Sui and Tang dynasties of China. Because of his remarkable contributions during the unification wars of Tang dynasty, Yin Kaishan was listed as one of 24 founding officials of the Tang dynasty honored on the Lingyan Pavilion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shan Xiongxin</span>

Shan Xiongxin was a general, top warrior and peasant uprising leader during the transitional era between the Sui and Tang dynasties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wang Bodang</span> General in Wagang Army

Wang Bodang was a general in Wagang Army which rebelled against the Sui dynasty. He is also a highly celebrated and praised figure in Chinese popular culture because of his bravery and loyalty.

Luo Shixin was a general during the transitional period between the Sui and Tang dynasties of China.

Pei Xingyan was a general during the Sui dynasty who was known for his superior fighting skills on the battlefield. He was also a highly celebrated warrior in popular culture and traditional Chinese dramas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liu Hongji</span>

Liu Hongji, titled Duke Xiang of Kui, was a general and officer in the early Tang dynasty of China. He was listed as one of 24 honored founding officials of the Tang dynasty at Lingyan Pavilion.

Wu Yan, courtesy name Shize, was a military general of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China and later for the Jin dynasty (266–420). He is most known for his valiant defence of Jianping during Jin's conquest of Wu. After Wu fell, Wu Yan served in administrative positions under Jin, with his most notable being the Inspector of Jiaozhou, succeeding Tao Huang, who was also a former official of Wu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhangsun Shunde</span>

Zhangsun Shunde, titled Duke of Pi, was a general and officer in the early Tang dynasty. He is one of 24 honored founding officials of the Tang dynasty at Lingyan Pavilion, and also a distant relative to Zhangsun Wuji and Empress Zhangsun. They share a common ancestor, Zhangsun Zhi, five generations ago for Zhangsun Wuji and Empress Zhangsun, and four generations ago for Zhangsun Shunde.

Ma Sanbao was a Chinese general during the Tang dynasty. He played an important role in the establishment of the Tang dynasty.

References

  1. ↑ Zhang Xutuo's epitaph indicate that he was 51 (by East Asian reckoning) when he died. (陷于凶手，春秋五十有一。)
  2. ↑ Volume 183 of Zizhi Tongjian indicate that the battle at Dahai Temple took place on or around the geng'xu day of the 10th month of the 12th year of the Da'ye era, which corresponds to 11 Dec 616 in the Julian calendar. ([大业十二年十月]庚戌，须阤引兵击让，让向数为须阤所败，闻其来，大惧，将避之。密曰：“须阤勇而无谋，兵又骤胜，既骄且狠，可一战擒也。公但列陈以待，密保为公破之。”让不得已，勒兵将战，密分兵千馀人伏于大海寺北林间。须阤素轻让，方陈而前，让与战，不利，须阤乘之，逐北十馀里；密发伏掩之，须阤兵败。密与让及徐世𪟝、王伯当合军围之，须阤溃围出；左右不能尽出，须阤跃马复入救之，来往数四，遂战死。)
  3. ↑ (君讳须陀，字果，...) Zhang Xutuo Muzhiming
  4. ↑ Book of Sui :炀帝嗣位，汉王谅作乱并州，从杨素击平之，加开府。
  5. ↑ Book of Sui :大业中，为齐郡丞。会兴辽东之役，百姓失业，又属岁饥，谷米踊贵，须陀将开仓赈给，官属咸曰：“须待诏敕，不可擅与。”须陀曰：“今帝在远，遣使往来，必淹岁序。百姓有倒悬之急，如待报至，当委沟壑矣。吾若以此获罪，死无所恨。”先开仓而后上状，帝知之而不责也。
  6. ↑ Book of Sui :明年，贼帅王薄聚结亡命数万人，寇掠郡境。官军击之，多不利。须陀发兵拒之，薄遂引军南，转掠鲁郡。须陀蹑之，及于岱山之下。薄恃骤胜，不设备。须陀选精锐，出其不意击之，薄众大溃，因乘胜斩首数千级。薄收合亡散，得万余人，将北度河。须陀追之，至临邑，复破之，斩五千余级，获六畜万计。
  7. ↑ Book of Sui :薄复北战，连豆子贼孙宣雅、石秪阇、郝孝德等众十余万攻章丘。须陀遣舟师断其津济，亲率马步二万袭击，大/span>
  8. ↑ Book of Sui :其年，贼裴长才、石子河等众二万，奄至城下，纵兵大掠。须陀未暇集兵，亲率五骑与战。贼竞赴之，围百余重，身中数创，勇气弥厉。会城中兵至，贼稍却，须陀督军复战，长才败走。
  9. ↑ Book of Sui :后数旬，贼帅秦君弘、郭方预等合军围北海，兵锋甚锐，须陀谓官属曰：“贼自恃强，谓我不能救，吾今速去，破之必矣。”于是简精兵，倍道而进，贼果无备，击大破之，斩数万级，获辎重三千两。司隶刺史裴操之上状，帝遣使劳问之。
  10. ↑ Book of Sui :十年，贼左孝友众将十万，屯于蹲狗山。须陀列八风营以逼之，复分兵扼其要害。孝友窘迫，面缚来降。其党解象、王良、郑大彪、李 宛等众各万计，须陀悉讨平之，威振东夏。以功迁齐郡通守，领河南道十二郡黜陟讨捕大使。
  11. ↑ New Book of Tang :俄从通守张须陀击贼卢明月下邳，贼众十余万，须陀所统才十之一，坚壁水敢进，粮尽，欲引去。须陀曰：“贼见兵却，必悉众追我，得锐士袭其营，且有利，谁为吾行者？”众莫对。惟叔宝与罗士信奋行。乃分劲兵千人伏莽间，须陀委营遁，明月悉兵追蹑。叔宝等驰叩贼营，门闭不得入，乃升楼拔贼旗帜，杀数十人，营中乱，即斩关纳外兵，纵火焚三十余屯。明月奔还，须陀回击，大破之。
  12. ↑ Book of Sui :俄而贼庐明月众十余万，将寇河北，次祝阿，须陀邀击，杀数千人。贼吕明星、帅仁泰、霍小汉等众各万余，扰济北，须陀进军击走之。寻将兵拒东郡贼翟让，前后三十余战，每破走之。
  13. ↑ Zhang Xutuo's epitaph indicate that his grave was relocated on the 27th day (a ren'yin day) of the 2nd month (the 1st day of that month was a bing'zi day; it was written as jing'zi here due to naming taboo, as Tang Gaozu's father was Li Bing) of the 2nd year of the Jing'yun era of the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang (a xin'hai year). (即以大唐景云二年岁次辛亥二月景子朔廿七日壬寅合葬于阌乡县桃林乡之原，...) Zhang Xutuo Muzhiming
  14. ↑ (后汉司空太尉温十三代孙也。) Zhang Xutuo Muzhiming
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.