In the Chu-Han War, Han Xin created a jaw-dropping battle with a surprising winning strategy"Last stand", defeated the huge army of 200,000 of Zhao State, and became a model of victory in a hundred battles. Ma Tan later followed Han Xin's back-to-back battle, but it ended in defeat. Now, we will revisit Han Xin's clever plan in the Battle of Jingcheng, how to use the art of war, turn the tables from disadvantages, and make great contributions to the rise of the Han Dynasty.
In 206 BC, Liu Bang was defeated at the Battle of Pengcheng and had to retreat. He transferred the main force from Han Shin's army, leaving behind the old and weak remnants led by Han Shin. This was a huge test for Han Shin, as the situation he faced was very unfavorable. Despite the worrying situation, Han was resolute, and he understood that this was Liu Bang's last test for him. Once he succeeds, his position in the Han Dynasty will be even more secure. Han Shin launched an exhilarating operation, sending soldiers back to his hometown to recruit relatives and friends, and regrouping an army of 30,000 men in a short time.
Although the newly formed army was well-trained, because many of the fighters were relatives, their relations were close and morale was high. Han Xin was good at taking advantage of the connections between these villagers and quickly improved the organization and cohesion of the troops. He understands that this army may seem vulnerable, but he has full confidence in them, because he knows that the blood ties between these folks will play a huge role on the battlefield.
Chen Yu, the general of Zhao Guoda, received the news of Han Xin's attack and despised Han Xin's troops very much. He believed that he had an absolute advantage of 200,000 soldiers and easily defeated Han Shin. Chen Yu's arrogance and contempt for the enemy made Han Xin see an opportunity, and he decided to use the strategy of fighting on his back, with the help of Zhao's conceit to achieve victory.
Han Xin adopted a two-front strategy, he sent a part of his troops and horses to attack the base camp of the Zhao army, and at the same time personally led the main army to cross the river and destroy the ship, preparing to fight against the water. Such a move put Chen Yu in the dilemma of being attacked on both sides, and Zhao Jun fell into chaos as a result. This was Han Xin's wise strategy, he fully understood Zhao Jun's arrogant character, correctly judged the situation, and seized the opportunity.
The base camp of the Zhao army was attacked, and Chen Yu was in a hurry and could not respond. He could only send troops to the rescue, causing his forces to scatter. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Han Shin personally led an army of 30,000 to launch a backwater battle and immediately launched a fierce offensive. Chen Yu had no choice but to abandon the base camp and return to the rescue, but Han Xin's army had firmly besieged them by the river. Chen Yu saw that the general trend was gone, so he had to give up most of the army and personally lead a few guards to escape, and Han Xin did not pursue, but absorbed all these routs, enhancing the strength of the Han army.
The Battle of Jingcheng demonstrated Han Shin's outstanding military wisdom, he correctly judged the situation, fully grasped the enemy's situation, and won more with less. This battle not only established Han Xin's military position, but also created an important opportunity for the rise of the Han Dynasty.