In his military career, Bai Qiju has made great contributions, but his small episode on the battlefield is quite intriguing. The decision to ban the soldiers from eating mutton caused dissatisfaction among the soldiers, however, Bai Qi responded to the doubters with a unique test.
What kind of 50 steps made the soldiers convinced of the ban? What kind of military philosophy and leadership wisdom does this seemingly ordinary battlefield story contain?
People's memories of Bai Qi are often the first thing that comes to mind of his ruthless and decisive side. As the general of the western border of the Qin State at that time, he immediately promulgated the "three military regulations, the light is fifty, and the heavy is beheaded", and strictly enforced it mercilessly. This made the entire army fear him for three points, and did not dare to make a mistake.
In 320 BC, Bai Qi was born at the end of the Warring States period, which was an eventful autumn. He joined the army since he was a child and was known for his bravery and good fighting. Later, he gradually rose through the ranks, and was finally promoted to the chief general during the reign of Qin Xiaogong, responsible for guarding the western border.
At that time, the Qin state was in turmoil, with bandits rampant in its territory and repeated invasions of neighboring countries on its frontiers. Qin Xiaogong was anxious and hoped to revive the country's prestige. He believes that Bai Qi is brave and good at fighting and strategic, and he is the best candidate to reorganize Qin **wei and calm internal and external troubles.
From the very beginning of his tenure, Bai Qi immediately promulgated three iron laws. In order for the army to display its combat effectiveness, it must first strictly enforce military discipline and discipline. He knew very well that a large army with poor discipline and poor military appearance would find it difficult for a general, no matter how strong the general, to make meritorious achievements. Bai Qi said sternly to the offending soldiers. He believes that the only purpose of the strict punishment and strict law is to ensure the combat effectiveness of the army and the safety of the lives of everyone in the army.
Indeed, in that turbulent era full of unknowns, majestic military law was the only way to ensure that the army would not be defeated and the whole army would survive. Bai Qi ruled the army harshly, but he was able to avoid unnecessary sacrifices and losses of the troops during the war years to the greatest extent. Because of this, Bai Qi's army has never been defeated on the battlefield.
Bai Qi not only established strict military law and military discipline, but also established his own high prestige and status among the Warring States princes by virtue of his intrigue and determination on the battlefield.
In the Battle of Changping in 314 BC, it was Bai Qi and Wang Jian who cooperated to break Zhao's ** team and start the landmark battle of the prestige of the Han State in one fell swoop. This victory made Bai Qi famous and became the most famous Han general in the world.
At that time, the Zhao army was deeply encircled, and Bai Qi was not in a hurry to annihilate, but set up a trick. He deliberately sent someone to send a message to Zhao Kuo, the general of Zhao, and asked him to lead a large army to break through. Zhao Kuo's plan to make a rash attack was just right. Bai Qi had already laid a net of heaven and earth, and the Qin army array attacked the Zhao army head-on.
Just when the fierce battle between the two armies of Qin and Zhao was in full swing, a surprise army suddenly appeared in the rear of the Qin army, instantly cutting off the retreat of the Zhao army. At this time, Zhao Kuo realized that he had been deceived, but it was too late. The Qin army annihilated the Zhao army in one fell swoop, creating a bloody epic under the city of Changping.
In this great victory, only Zhao Kuo and a few thousand soldiers escaped in the entire Zhao army. The Qin army killed 450,000 enemy troops and built a skeleton bridge with countless corpses to show the military might of the Han State to the surroundings.
With this feat, Bai Qi became famous and was known as "the strange soldier who broke the enemy". At that time, the Qin army was only 30,000, but the Zhao army had more than 400,000. Bai Qi can defeat the crowd with outnumbering, and indeed shows superior strategy and invincible combat power.
Bai Qi not only strictly organized the troops in terms of military law and tactics, but also started from the details of life in the barracks and implemented a ban on mutton, so that the soldiers could care for each other and remind each other in life.
Take 50 steps forward and you'll see why I'm doing it! Bai Qi once said harshly to Xiao Li who violated the ban. When the latter just walked to the 30th step, it suddenly dawned on him - it turned out that the smell of mutton was too strong, and it was easy to expose the position of the troops!
Only then did Xiao Li realize that all of Bai Qi's strict military orders stemmed from his concern and cherishment of the lives and safety of soldiers. In front of the whole army, Xiao Li cried and knelt down to apologize to Bai Qi, vowing never to violate military regulations again.
Bai Qi's strict management of the army is aimed at allowing soldiers to better survive and fight in the cruel environment of war. Therefore, Bai Qi's subordinates were all in awe of his decisiveness and wisdom, and were willing to follow him on the battlefield.
Although Bai Qi made great achievements against the Qin State, he was forced to kill himself when he became famous. He was only in his thirties, and the death of his life finally became a footnote behind his life.
In 257 B.C., soon after Qin Shi Huang succeeded to the throne, he began to guard against the white rise of high merit. In the early days of his reign, he was quite wary of Bai Qi, for fear that Bai Qi would rebel and become king.
At a banquet, the First Emperor suddenly raised his glass and persuaded Bai to commit suicide in a threatening tone. He said that Bai Qi had a heavy army, and his strength was too strong and must be removed. The ministers were all pale and the atmosphere was solemn. The first emperor's persuasion was simply a naked threat and a killing move.
However, to everyone's horror, Bai Qi's face did not change, and without saying a word, he pulled out the sword at his waist and decisively killed himself on the spot! Blood was splashed on the ground, and all the ministers lamented Bai Qi's absolute loyalty to the monarch.
Qin Shi Huang looked at Bai Qi's corpse, couldn't speak for a long time, and finally sighed: "Bai Qing, this loyal minister, it's really a pity!" Then posthumously named him "Wu Anjun" to show praise. However, the real tragedy is that Bai Qi's loyalty ultimately failed to earn the trust of the First Emperor, which is where the tragedy of his life lies.
Looking back at Bai Qi as a historical figure now, we may never be able to say whether his killing was righteous or cruel. However, his loyalty and dedication to the country are still worth learning and inheriting. Only by truly understanding Bai Qi's original intention of establishing a strict military law during his lifetime can we appreciate his resolute and wise character. He was loyal to his duties, strict with himself, and ultimately devoted himself to the survival of his country and the lives of his soldiers.
Faced with the naked threat of the First Emperor, Bai Qi understood that he had no way to live, so he gladly obeyed his fate and made his will clear with death. This kind of integrity and mind that does not change his will in the face of life and death has also become the strongest voice in history. If we can't understand the wisdom behind Bai Qi's decision, how can we comment on the tragedy of his ultimate life? This loyal Han general, his legendary experience is worth savoring again and again, and drawing inspiration from it.
Bai Qi, a legendary general in the history of ancient warfare, has made brilliant achievements, but at the same time, he has also left some controversial stories in the long river of history. We may never be able to say for sure whether his killings were righteous or not. In the turbulent years of ancient times, Bai Qi showed fearless courage and loyalty to the country, and became a generation of military heroes.