Feng Changqing, a famous general during the Tang Dynasty, was a judge under the command of the famous general Gao Xianzhi. The two of them roamed the vast land of the Western Regions for many years, intimidating the various countries in the region and collectively known as the “imperial twin jewels” of the Tang Dynasty. Below, the History Encyclopedia editor will provide a detailed introduction to the relevant content.
Feng Changqing was a famous general during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. He and Gao Xianzhi roamed the vast land of the Western Regions all year round, intimidating the various countries in the region. Together, they were known as the “imperial twin jewels” of the Tang Dynasty.
The famous poet Cen Can wrote a poem praising Feng Changqing as follows: “When the Lu cavalry heard about it, they were intimidated. They knew that the short soldiers dared not take over, and the chariot driver stood at the west gate to offer victory
However, such a renowned iron blooded general was useless until the age of thirty, and the more miserable it was, the more miserable it was:
Feng Changqing was from the Yi family in Puzhou (now Linyi, Shanxi). He lost both parents at a young age and relied on his maternal grandfather for survival. Unfortunately, my maternal grandfather was also sent to the Western Regions as a soldier for his crimes, responsible for guarding the city gates. Feng Changqing followed his grandfather to the Western Regions and lived a poor life.
It’s just that fate is unpredictable. Unfortunately, Feng Changqing’s own conditions were also very miserable. History called him “thin and skinny, with short and lame feet.” He was as thin as a hemp pole, with crooked eyes, and one foot long and one foot short, making him a cripple. This image of respect was considered a serious flaw in the Tang Dynasty, where officials emphasized the importance of “judging by words and deeds”. The first criterion was appearance, although it was not necessary to be like Pan An and Song Yu, one must still have a strong physical appearance. So, it is unrealistic for Feng Changqing to seek official positions through formal channels.
However, the unfortunate fate and ugly appearance did not defeat Feng Changqing, but instead prompted him to study even harder. My maternal grandfather was a knowledgeable and rational person who personally taught and urged my grandson to read when he couldn’t afford to attend school. So day after day, whether it’s cold or hot, the sound of books echoes on the gates of Anxi. Although physically disabled and unattractive, with a strong will, seeing the tragic yet hardworking child, it seems as if even heaven is moved and says, “Child, your books will not be in vain
However, even if one is filled with poetry and books, with the condition of being always clear, in that real society, there is no way to heaven and no way to earth. Until one day, when Feng Changqing saw General Gao Xianzhi pass by again, he finally made up his mind.
There is a great contrast between Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing. He became a general in his early twenties, which can be described as a young and famous figure. He gained the trust of the Anxi military governor, Fu Menglingcha, and was soon promoted to the position of Deputy Protector of Anxi, as well as the Commander in Chief of the Army. Moreover, Gao Xianzhi is a typical military commander known for her beautiful appearance, good horsemanship and archery skills, and brave determination of heroic achievements. Especially wherever he goes, he always carries more than thirty guards with him, wearing angry horses and fresh clothes, with bright helmets and shining armor, and his fierce and powerful demeanor that requires more attention.
Not only that, Gao Xianzhi is not ambiguous in her battles. Being able to follow such a superior will surely lead to a bright future. So, Feng Changqing decided to follow Gao Xianzhi. However, Feng Changqing had no background or qualifications. He was wealthy and handsome. He was low and weak, or a lame person with slanted eyes. Why should he follow others.
As expected, after Feng Changqing submitted his letter of worship, Gao Xianzhi saw his honor and politely declined, saying that the number of guards was full.
However, Feng Changqing did not give up, and the next day he handed over a famous letter. Gao Xianzhi was a little annoyed and prepared to drive out this ugly monster. As a result, Feng Changqing said in a positive tone, “Chang Qing admires the high righteousness of the Duke and wishes to be disciplined, so he has no medium to go forward. How can we see the depth of his refusal? If you judge people by their appearance, you will be expected by the literati; if you judge people by their appearance, you may lose your offspring; If you judge people by their appearance, you may lose their hearts.
However, Feng Changqing was still expelled. However, from then on, there was an additional guard outside Gao Xianzhi’s mansion, and that was Feng Changqing. For more than ten consecutive days, it remained unchanged. Seeing the tenacity and resilience of this ugly creature, Gao Xianzhi was moved and agreed to accept him. From then on, among the group of guards dressed in fresh clothes and horses, there was an additional disharmonious person with slanted eyes and a limp. In Feng Changqing’s gaze, there was no trace of self deprecation, but rather full of confidence and ambition.
From the words to Gao Xianzhi, we can know that Feng Changqing is very clear about his own positioning and knows what kind of person he wants to become. People cannot be flawless. Yan Zi has a short stature, but he can ensure the strength of Qi country; Zuo Si has an ugly appearance and stutters, but a piece of “San Du Fu” can make Luoyang paper expensive. Although I may be ugly, give me a chance and my rewards will be unexpected; Give me a lever, and I can move the earth.
Soon, the value of Feng Changqing was reflected. In the early years of Tianbao, the Daxi tribe rebelled, and Gao Xianzhi was ordered to suppress the rebellion. He decisively killed the rebels, and something unexpected happened to Gao Xianzhi. Feng Changqing brought out the already written Jie for him to review, which detailed the situation of both the enemy and us, with clear organization and excellent writing. Some things that even Gao Xianzhi couldn’t think of, Feng Changqing had already thought of for him, which amazed Gao Xianzhi.
After returning to Anxi, the military governor Fu Menglingcha found out that Gao Xianzhi did not have this level, so he asked who wrote the good news. Gao Xianzhi then recommended his attendant to everyone and granted him the title of Changqing. From then on, Feng Changqing gained great fame. He and Gao Xianzhi embarked on an expedition to Xiao Bolu, sweeping across the Western Regions.
After Gao Xianzhi took over from Fu Menglingcha as the military governor of Anxi, he appointed Feng Changqing as the military judge and military governor, and thus took the second seat in the four towns of Anxi. In the eleventh year of the Tianbao era, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang officially appointed Feng Changqing as the Governor of Anxi and the Grand Censor.
Afterwards, Feng Changqing launched an expedition to Dabolu, gradually recovering the impact of the failure of the Battle of Talas. If it were not for the outbreak of the An Lushan Rebellion, under Feng Changqing’s leadership, the national power of the Tang Dynasty would once again spread throughout the Western Regions. So, an unremarkable person with slanted eyes and a limp completed his life’s comeback and became a famous general of the Tang Dynasty.
