Popular war of Tang Dynasty and Tibet Empire.
In Tang Dynasty, General Zhang led the conquest of Koguryo. Xue Rengui rose to fame during this war, gaining the nickname “brave crown” for his bravery in the final battle. However, his reputation was tarnished in the Dafeichuan battle two years later, when the Tang Dynasty generals were defeated. This battle became a lifelong disgrace for Xue Rengui and the dynasty.
Where did the Battle of Dafei River fought?
South of Qinghai Lake lies a mountain range called Qinghai Nanshan, also known as Dafei Ling in the Tang Dynasty. In Qinghai Nanshan, there is a grassland known as Cheji, located between Ela Mountain. The Battle of Dafeichuan was caused by a strategic conflict between Tibet Empire and the Tang Dynasty, similar to the conflicts in the Mobei grassland and the Central Plains. This battle was related to the destruction of Tuyuhun.
In AD 635, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty sent General Li Jing to eliminate Tuyuhun in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Their goal was to remove Fuyun as the Khan and replace him with his son Murong Shun. However, Tibet Empire also wanted to expand its territory and saw Tuyuhun as a strategic passage to do so. By taking control of Tuyuhun, the Tibet Empire could threaten the Tang Dynasty’s northern regions.
Tibet Empire’s Interest in Tuyuhun
During the Long Shuo era in the Tang Dynasty, Tibet Empire defeated Tuyuhun, leading Murong Nuohobo Khan and Princess Honghua to flee to Liangzhou with thousands of tents. They sought permission to settle in Tang, but the court’s plan was to attack Tibet Empire and provide Tuyuhun with a new home. It wasn’t until Tibet Empire occupied Anxi in the Western Regions that Emperor Gaozong decided to retaliate. Xue Rengui, who had just won a battle in Goguryeo, returned as the Luo Suo marching chief, accompanied by Ashina Daozhen, Guo Daifeng, and other deputy generals.
Tang Gaozong warned Tibet Empire not to provoke Tang Dynasty or risk losing their land. he gave the proposal to return the Tuyuhun immediately. Ignoring this would lead to the Tang army attacking Tibet Empire and removing the significant threat it posed.
Great Tibetan Empire Military Power – Gar Triding
Tibet Empire was led by Gar Dongzan’s son and his brother Gar Triding Zandun. They were not scared of Gao Zong’s tricks or the Tang Dynasty. Tubo had three advantages: the difficult Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, support from their younger brother, and a strong army of 400,000 individuals.
Under the leadership of Xue Rengui, the Tang army arrived at Dafeichuan, effectively blocking the further expansion of the Tibet Empire. Xue Rengui summoned all the generals for a meeting, instructing Guo to be stationed at Dafaichuan to safeguard the food supply while the army engaged the enemy. Due to the distance and treacherous terrain of Wuhai, it was too risky for the main force. Factors such as the plateau’s reaction and the climate compelled Xue Rengui to make a swift decision. Consequently, Xue Rengui led the army to raid the estuary near Zaling Lake, the origin of the Yellow River, capturing many enemy soldiers and acquiring tens of thousands of cattle and sheep.
Xue Rengui openly discusses Triding but is surprised by Deputy General Guo’s sudden promotion. Despite Xue Rengui’s commendable service, he is assigned to the rear as the head of the granary, causing jealousy from Guo Yifeng. Guo Yifeng, the second son of renowned general Guo Xiaoque, feels ashamed to be subordinate to Xue Rengui, whom he considers beneath him. In terms of rank, Xue Rengui is only one level higher than Guo Yifeng.
Tibet Empire easily defeat the Tang army
Guo Yifeng disobeyed Xue Rengui, carrying supplies and a snail-like shell towards Wuhai. Near their destination, they faced 200,000 well-equipped Tibetan and Tuyuhun troops. Despite their smaller numbers, the Tang army couldn’t match the enemy’s skill. Guo lost supplies and escaped on a horse.
Xue Rengui begrudgingly returned to Dafechuan after Guo’s betrayal. Tang Dynasty’s morale suffered, facing Triding’s 400,000 soldiers. The Central Plains battle caused elitism and was disastrous for the Tang army. Death and injury were paid for on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Three Tang army generals, Xue Rengui, Ashna Daozhen, and Guo, escaped and returned to Chang’an.
Biggest humiliation during the Tang dynasty
This fiasco caused Tang Gao Zong Li Zhi to lose face, making it the worst military defeat in the history of Datang since its founding in 618 AD. The negative impact of this defeat is wide-ranging. Xue Rengui and others may be pardoned for capital crimes, but they cannot evade punishment for their crimes and must face strict consequences. The term for this punishment is delisting, which involves stripping them of their titles, reducing them to pawns, and removing them from their official positions. This punishment is a profound disgrace for individuals like Xue Rengui, surpassing even the severity of death.
Military strategists often experience victory or defeat, but this story focuses on tactical, not strategic wars. Tibet Empire took control of the Western Regions, extending its influence south near the Wei River valley. This posed a major threat to the Tang Dynasty’s Western security.
After Tibet conquered the western Tang, the Tang Dynasty had to devote resources to the western line, hindering its development. The Battle of Great Anxi gave Tibet Empire strategic advantages and allowed them to exploit the chaos during Anshi’s reign to take over the western region and Hexi Corridor.
