The Battle of Yanling () was fought in 575 BC between the states of
Chu and
Jin at
Yanling during the
Spring and Autumn period
The Spring and Autumn period () was a period in History of China, Chinese history corresponding roughly to the first half of the Eastern Zhou (256 BCE), characterized by the gradual erosion of royal power as local lords nominally subject t ...
of ancient China. On the Jin side,
Xi Qi () commanded the right wing whilst
Luan Shu () commanded the center with
Han Jue () on the left . Prior to the battle, Shi Xie wanted to avoid battle on the basis that external enemies are necessary for internal peace. The Chu army had the numerical advantage but with the exception of the King's personal guard, it was in poor condition. The Chu army was also commanded by
Zifan () and
Zichong (), who hated each other. Following Luan Shu's advice, the Jin army took a defensive posture instead of going on the offensive. By dawn the Jin armies were deployed behind a marsh and ditch, which impeded Chu troops. Fen Huang, a Jin officer, pointed out that the best Chu troops in the center were bogged down by the marsh, leaving the flanks to be held only by badly disciplined 'wild tribes of the south'. Jin
chariots then charged both Chu flanks, scattering the enemy. They then proceeded to attack the center, which contained the Chu King commanding his troops. Although the Chu King's life was endangered a couple of times, Jin officers let him escape as a sign of respect. However, he was wounded by an arrow and his army was driven back.
[Imperial Chinese Military History: 8000 BC –1912 AD, Marvin C Whiting(Writers Club Press), pp 44–45]
References
575 BC
Yanling
Yanling
6th century BC in China
Military history of Henan
Chu (state)
Jin (Chinese state)
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