一代楷模 — “A model of a generation”

Towards the end of the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang was engaged in endless wars, extravagance, and self-indulgence. Driven by his ambition, he first ordered the construction of the Grand Canal, then launched several eastern expeditions, massively invading Korea. Most young men across the country were conscripted for river digging or military service. Land lay uncultivated, taxes increased year after year, and the people were plunged into dire suffering, with the empire on the brink of chaos. Li Jing, then a local official in Mayi, Shanxi, had a clear understanding of the severe state of the nation. Not wishing to see the country fall into turmoil, he traveled to the capital to meet Yang Su, Duke of Yue, who held significant military and political power. Li Jing intended to persuade Yang Su to devise a plan to stabilize the political situation. However, after their conversation, Li Jing felt deeply disappointed and immediately resigned his post. He returned home and delved into the study of military strategies.

Li Jing's maternal uncle, Han Qinghu, a founding general of the Sui Dynasty, was well-versed in Sun Tzu's Art of War. He often discussed his insights with Li Jing. After each thorough discussion, Han Qinghu would sigh with admiration, praising Li Jing's perspectives. Not long after, Yang Su passed away, and his son Yang Xuangan raised an army in rebellion. Subsequently, peasant uprisings erupted across the country. Li Jing went to Taiyuan to assist Li Yuan, Emperor Gaozu of Tang, in unifying the empire. Later, when Emperor Taizong Li Shimin ascended the throne, Li Jing was transferred from Minister of Justice to Minister of War.

At that time, ethnic minorities in the northwest, the Turks and Tuyuhun, frequently raided the borders, looting cattle and horses, and massacring civilians, becoming a constant threat to the Tang Dynasty. After pacifying the empire, Emperor Taizong immediately appointed Li Jing as the Marshal, leading a northern expedition to completely eliminate the threat from the northwestern frontier. On one occasion, Li Jing, with only three thousand cavalry, achieved a miraculous victory, driving the Turks out of the territory. Thereafter, to quell border unrest, Li Jing often commanded troops on campaigns, fighting over a hundred battles, small and large, earning illustrious military honors, and was promoted to Shangshu Puye (a high-ranking official, akin to Prime Minister).

Li Jing observed that the empire was largely pacified and anticipated no more large-scale wars. He felt that as a military general, he would have limited opportunities to make significant contributions at court, so he decided to resign and retire to his hometown. On one occasion, Emperor Taizong dispatched Li Jing to various regions to investigate public sentiment. Li Jing politely declined, saying, “I am growing old, and I fear I might fail His Majesty’s trust. It would be better to send someone else.” Li Jing returned home and meticulously detailed his thoughts in a memorial, which he submitted to Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong read Li Jing’s memorial, finding its wording extremely appropriate and its attitude profoundly sincere. Deeply moved, he immediately agreed to Li Jing’s request. The very next day, he sent a Censor to convey his imperial decree to Li Jing, stating, “I observe that from ancient times until now, very few high-ranking officials have known when to be content. Both the wise and the ordinary people often fail to know themselves. Some, lacking talent, cling to power and refuse to resign, while others, though ill and unable to work, still occupy high positions. I agree to your resignation, not only to fulfill your aspiration but, more importantly, to establish you as a model for an entire generation, so that people may learn from you.”

After his resignation, Li Jing compiled his lifelong military insights into a book titled “Li Weigong’s Art of War,” which unfortunately was later lost.