China Archery

Qutu Tong (AD 557-628) was born in Chang’an (Xi’an of Shaanxi today) and belonged to the minority of Qutu. He was a famous general in the early period of Tang Dynasty and one of 24 heroes in Lingyan Pavilion.

The ancestors of Qutu Tong belonged to the tribe of Kumoxizhong and subordinated to Murong of Xianbei minority. He immigrated to Changli (Chaoyang of Liaoning today) and then settled down in Chang’an. Qutu Tong was a model of fortitude, loyalty and rectitude. He loved strategies and was good at archery and horsemanship. He was once the general of Left Cavalry in Sui Dynasty. After he submitted to Tang, he was a general under Li Shimin. He made the greatest contribution in pacifying the rebellion of Wang Shichong. He was respected by Emperor Taizhong of Tang.

Qutu Tong passed away in the second year of Zhenguan Reign (AD 628) at the age of 72. He was conferred the title of Right Supervisor of the Masters of Writing and the posthumous name of “Zhong” (Loyalty) by Emperor Taizhong. Qutu Tong and Fang Xuanling were moved to the royal temple of Emperor Taizhong in 23rd year of Zhenguan Reign (AD 649). Qutu Tong was reconferred with the title of Sikong (Minister of Public Works) on 14th Mar. of the fifth year of Yonghui Reign (AD 654) by Li Zhi, Emperor Gaozong of Tang Dynasty.

Li Guangbi (AD 708-764) was born in Liucheng, Yingzhou (now Chaoyang City of Liaoning Province) and a famous general in mid Tang Dynasty.

The father of Li Guangbi was a chieftain of Khitan and pledged allegiance to Tang Dynasty during Wu Zetian’s reign. Li Guangbi was eager to learn and good at archery and horsemanship when he was young. He was appointed successively as the Military Tribune of Shuofang (Now northwest of Lingwu in Ningxia Autonomous Region) and Hexi (Now Wuwei in Gansu Province).

In the early period of 15th year of Tianbao Reign of Tang Dynasty (AD 756), Li Guangbi was recommended by Guo Ziyi to be the Vice Military Commissioner of Hedong and participated in pacification of the An Shi Rebellion. He guarded three cities of Taiyuan, Heyang and reoccupied Luoyang.

After Li Yu, Emperor Daizong of Tang Dynasty ascended the throne, he trusted eunuchs Cheng Yuanzhen and Yu Chaoen, who were in discord with Li Guangbi and smeared his reputation. He led his army and guarded Lin Huai. He didn’t dare enter the palace for two to three years. Li Guangbi was always quite strict with the army. Nobody dared look upwards when he gave an order. The court summoned him for several times and he didn’t obey the order. Consequently, his soldiers didn’t obey his order. Li Guangbi was so ashamed and became ill. He died in Xuzhou in the second year of Guangde Reign (AD 764)

Shi Wansui (549-600) was a famous general in the Sui Dynasty from Duling, Jingzhao (now southeast of Xi’an City in Shaanxi Province).

Shi Wansui was ‘valiant, good at riding and archery when he was young and fond of reading military books’ (Sui Books. Biography of Shi Wansui). After the death of his father, he inherited the title of Lord of the Taiping County.

Shi Wansui was on a par with the famous generals of He Ruobi and Han Qinhu and was promoted to the Great General of the Left Guard. He was highly talented and was reputed as “General of Cavalry” by He Ruobi. In sharp contrast with Yangsu’s severe laws and penalties, as well as killing of the innocent, Shi Wansui was hated by Yangsu for his commanding tactics and died of Yangsu’s circumvention.