Li Jing

Also known as Li Yaoshi · Weiguo Gong · Jing Wu

Li Jing, originally named Yaoshi, came from Sanyuan near the capital and served the Sui at Mayi. When Li Yuan took Chang'an he meant to execute him, but Li Shimin interceded. In 621 he led a fleet down the Yangzi and forced Xiao Xian to surrender, and in 624 he put down Fu Gongshi. In 630, as commander for the Dingxiang route, he made a night raid on Dingxiang and then routed the Illig Qaghan at the Yin Mountains; the qaghan was soon captured and the Eastern Turkic state came to an end. In 635 he led the expedition against the Tuyuhun. He was made Duke of Wei in 637, had his portrait hung in the Lingyan Pavilion in 643 and died in 649; he was buried near Taizong's tomb. The military dialogue Questions and Replies between Tang Taizong and Li Weigong was made one of the Seven Military Classics under the Song, but is generally regarded as a later work under his name.