Feng Sheng (general)

Feng Sheng (1330 – 22 February 1395) was a Chinese general who served under the Hongwu Emperor, the founder and first emperor of the Ming dynasty. He was one of the most prominent Ming generals, receiving the title of Duke of Song in 1370. In 1387, he led a successful campaign in Manchuria, but was later removed from his commanding post and lived in disgrace. He died under unclear circumstances in early 1395.

Biography

Feng Sheng, originally named Feng Guosheng (), and also used the name Feng Zongyi (), was born in Dingyuan County in eastern China's Anhui province. He came from a lower middle-class family, while his brother Feng Guoyong (; 1324 – 13 May 1359) was an educated literati. When the Red Turban Rebellion broke out against the Mongol Yuan dynasty, the brothers led a group of local people into hiding in the mountains in 1351. While Feng Guoyong was the leader of the group, Feng Guosheng was known for his exceptional archery skills.

In 1354, the brothers joined Zhu Yuanzhang, one of the rebel leaders. Both brothers played prominent roles in the fighting; Feng Guoyong commanded a division of Zu's bodyguard. In 1359, he died during a campaign in eastern Zhejiang. Feng Guosheng, now known as Feng Sheng, took command after his brother's death. In 1360, he distinguished himself in battles against the troops of Chen Youliang, the emperor of the rebel state of Han who controlled the area around the middle course of the Yangtze River. Over the next few years, he rose to become the second most important general in Zhu's army, after Xu Da. In 1367, as commissioner of the Central Military Commission and commander of the bodyguard, he played a key role in the arrest and trial of Zhang Chang, a former Yuan official accused of treason. Feng Sheng was also recognized for his contributions to the conquest of the Kingdom of Wu (located in present-day Zhejiang) in 1366–1367.

In the 1368 campaign into northern China, which was still under the control of Yuan forces, he served under the command of Xu Da and Chang Yuchun. In the summer of 1368, he was appointed as the commander of Kaifeng, the center of Henan province. This city was not only a transportation hub, but also a crucial military garrison for operations in the north and northwest. He resided there for two decades. He played a significant role in the conquest of Shanxi in 1368, as well as the battles in Shaanxi in 1369 and the campaigns to Mongolia in 1370 and 1372.

In November 1370, Feng Sheng was among 29 other generals who were awarded and received titles. He was one of the six dukes to receive a title, specifically the title of Duke of Song (''Song Guogong''; ). Additionally, in 1369, his daughter married the emperor's fifth son, Zhu Su, Prince of Zhou. Zhu Su's residence in Kaifeng was under Feng Sheng's control.

In 1386, Feng Sheng, the highest-ranking general in China, was appointed as commander of the campaign against Naghachu, the commander of the most important Mongol military force in Manchuria. He was supported by his deputies, Generals Fu Youde and Lan Yu. In March 1387, with an army of two hundred thousand soldiers, Feng Sheng led a campaign to the north of the Great Wall of China. They built four forts in southern Jehol before continuing eastward. On 7 July, the Mongols ambushed and defeated a separate division led by Chen Yong (), Marquis of Linjiang, resulting in the death of Chen. Just seven days later, after crossing the Liao River, Feng Sheng caught up with Naghachu, defeated him, and brought him back to China as a captive. On the return march, the Mongols caused significant damage to the rear guard, resulting in the death of its commander, Pu Ying (). Feng Sheng's son-in-law and son of Chang Yuchun, Chang Mao (), accused him of taking the best captured horses for himself and being responsible for the failures of the retreat. As a result, on 8 September, the emperor recalled Feng Sheng and stripped him of his property in Henan. He was sent to Fengyang in disgrace, while Lan Yu took over his army. By the end of the year, Chang Mao had already been exiled.

From 1388 to 1392, Feng was only given minor tasks to complete. In 1393, he spent time at court with Fu Youde, possibly as witnesses to the execution of 20,000 people involved in Lan Yu's case. After this, both men served in Beijing under Zhu Di, Prince of Yan.

Feng Sheng died in February 1395 shortly after returning to Nanjing. All nine of his sons had also died, resulting in the extinction of the title of Duke of Song. Fu Youde died in December 1394, just a few weeks earlier. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of both Feng and Fu are unclear, with some sources claiming suicide while others suggest execution. It is worth noting that ''Taizu Shilu'' was extensively rewritten after Zhu Di seized power, and since both men had served under him before their deaths, it is possible that their deaths were related to his policies.

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Feng, Sheng
Generals from Anhui
1330 births
1395 deaths
People from Chuzhou
Ming dynasty generals