Fighting Alone in Junji Mountain, My Honor Returned Beyond the Great Wall - Li Ling, a Famous General of the Western Han Dynasty

Li Ling, courtesy name Shaoqing, was a famous general of the Western Han Dynasty and the grandson of the renowned general Li Guang. He was skilled in archery and cared for his soldiers, initially earning the favor of Emperor Wu of Han. The most famous turning point in his life was the Battle of Junji Mountain in the second year of Tianhan (99 BC). He led 5,000 infantry deep into the Xiongnu territory, only to be surrounded by the main force of 30,000 Xiongnu cavalry led by the Chanyu himself. Li Ling commanded with composure, using repeating crossbows and the terrain to kill thousands of enemies. The Xiongnu then reinforced their troops to 80,000. Li Ling fought and retreated, engaging in a desperate battle for several days. Facing the brink of starvation, with no hope of reinforcements, and with some of his subordinates betraying him by leaking military information, he ultimately failed to break through and was unfortunately captured and surrendered. Emperor Wu of Han, misled by rumors that Li Ling was training troops for the Xiongnu, was enraged and ordered the extermination of Li Ling's entire clan (his mother, wife, and children were all killed). At that time, only the Grand Astrologer Sima Qian defended him, and Sima Qian consequently suffered castration. Upon learning that his entire family had been killed, Li Ling completely abandoned any thought of returning to the Han Dynasty and remained with the Xiongnu. The Chanyu greatly valued him, marrying his daughter to him and enfeoffing him as the Right School King. Later, although the Han Dynasty sent his friend Huo Guang and others to persuade him to return, Li Ling refused, citing his fear of 'being insulted again.' In 74 BC, Li Ling died of illness in Xiongnu, leaving behind a touching legend of his parting with Su Wu.