In the long river of history, the confrontation between Liu Bang and the Xiongnu, especially the famous siege of Baideng, is undoubtedly a chapter full of drama.
The siege of Baideng was an event in 200 BC (the seventh year of Han Gaozu) when Liu Bang, the ancestor of Han Gaozu, was besieged by the Xiongnu in Baishan Mountain (now Mapu Mountain in the northeast of Datong City, Shanxi Province).
At that time, Han Wangxin suffered a series of defeats on the battlefield against the Xiongnu, which undoubtedly angered Liu Bang, the ruler of the Han Dynasty. Han Wangxin knew that he might face severe punishment from Liu Bang, so he decided to preemptively strike and join forces with the Xiongnu against the Han Dynasty.
After Liu Bang heard the news, he decided to personally lead the army to fight against the Xiongnu. He waved his army to Taiyuan, attacking the Xiongnu on the one hand, and quelling the rebellion of Han Wangxin on the other.
At first, Liu Bang's army achieved a remarkable victory, inflicting heavy losses on Han Wangxin's forces and forcing him to flee to the Xiongnu. However, the joy of victory made Liu Bang feel slightly inferior to the enemy.
In Jinyang, he failed to listen to Lou Jing's advice, strayed into the trap set by the Xiongnu, and was besieged in Pingcheng Baishan Mountain. At this critical moment, the Han army fell into an isolated situation, cut off from food and grass, and demoralized. Although Liu Bang tried to break through, a fierce battle with the Xiongnu army led to heavy losses.
Liu Bang, who spent seven days and seven nights in the mountains, faced the threat of severe cold and hunger. At this time, Chen Ping offered Liu Bang a plan. They decided to use the influence of the Xiongnu clan.
Han envoys carried heavy gifts to the place where the Yan clan lived, and emphasized that the Han army was protected by the gods and could not be easily defeated.
Fearing that the fate of the Han army would adversely affect the Xiongnu, the Yan clan persuaded Mao Dunshan to lift the siege of the Han army. In addition, he also reminded Mao Dunshan that reinforcements from the Han army were about to arrive, and even if the Xiongnu occupied the land of the Han Dynasty, they would not necessarily be able to adapt to the water and soil there.
Under the consideration of multiple factors, Mao Dunshan decided to retire. In this way, Liu Bang was able to escape from the siege of Baishan Mountain.
This history teaches us that even in difficult situations, there are always more ways to stay calm, faith and courage than difficulties.
This history shows Liu Bang's military talent and wisdom, as well as the importance of political and diplomatic means in dealing with war, ethnic and border issues.
The story of the Siege of Baiden became an enlightening chapter in history, providing us with insights into warfare, strategy, and human nature.