In the 48th year of Emperor Wanli’s reign during the Ming Dynasty, Qin Liangyu‘s White Pole Army engaged in several fierce battles with the Later Jin troops, significantly weakening their morale. Around this time, the emperor passed away, and Guang Zong ascended the throne. However, he ruled for just a month before dying, followed by Jiajing taking the emperor’s seat. In a matter of months, the Ming court saw frequent leadership changes. Seizing the opportunity, the Later Jin captured Shenyang and became increasingly aggressive.
Bravery amidst crisis
With the enemy flaunting their conquest, Qin Liangyu’s elder brother, Qin Bangping, and younger brother, Qin Minping, tried to recapture the lost territories. In a desperate attempt to cross the Hun River and engage the enemy, the brothers faced overwhelming odds. Qin Bangping died in battle, and Qin Minping was besieged. Hearing this, Qin Liangyu personally led a hundred of her White Pole soldiers across the river. She fought fiercely, saving her brother and retrieving her elder brother’s body. Subsequently, the court-appointed Qin Liangyu as the chief general to guard Shanhaiguan Pass.
Guarding the crucial pass
Shanhaiguan Pass was the primary passage from the northeast to the central plains. The Later Jin repeatedly sent troops to challenge its defenses. However, Qin Liangyu remained calm and ordered her men to fortify their positions. During a patrol, her son, Ma Xianglin, was struck in the eye by a stray arrow. Despite the pain, he retaliated, shooting down three enemies, causing great fear among the Later Jin leaders. From then on, they hesitated to provoke the defenders of Shanhaiguan Pass.
Recognition and further challenges
After experiencing the tragic loss of her brother and the injury to her son, Qin Liangyu wrote a letter to the emperor detailing her army’s endeavors and casualties. Emperor Jiajing was deeply moved and rewarded her with prestigious titles and positions for her family and soldiers.
When the battles at Shanhaiguan Pass subsided, Qin Liangyu returned to Shizhu. She swiftly crushed a rebellion led by She Chongming, defending the territories from potential collaborators.
Unyielding spirit and unwavering commitment
Years later, a rebel leader, An Bangyan, declared himself the “King of Luodian,” quickly seizing territories in Guizhou. Once again, the court turned to Qin Liangyu, who, with her indomitable spirit, quickly defeated the rebels. However, this victory came at a cost: her brother, Qin Minping, died in battle.
As the Later Jin changed its name to the Qing, they saw an opportunity during the transition of Ming emperors and advanced toward the capital. In response, Qin Liangyu, now 55 years old, led her White Pole Army to defend the capital, using her wealth to support the army’s needs.
In the subsequent skirmishes outside the capital, the White Pole Army emerged victorious against the Qing forces, with Qin Liangyu’s prowess still as formidable as in her youth. Following the successful defense, Emperor Chongzhen personally met Qin Liangyu, bestowing upon her more honors and recognizing her tremendous contributions.
Legacy of leadership
Historical records praise Qin Liangyu for her strict military discipline and innovative strategies. She not only excelled in warfare, but also paid keen attention to the army’s logistical needs. Today, certain “Cotton Alley” streets in Beijing trace their names back to her contributions during her stay in the capital.
Years later, the rebel Zhang Xianzhong entered Sichuan. Despite her advanced age, Qin Liangyu took up arms once more. However, facing insurmountable odds, she was forced to retreat and defend Shizhu. As the capital fell to another rebel leader, Li Zicheng, and the Ming Dynasty collapsed, the courageous Qin Liangyu lamented the end of an era.
See Part 1 here.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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