The Valor and Diplomacy of Feng Fengshi
Feng Fengshi, courtesy name Ziming, hailed from Luyang in Shangdang but later moved to Duling. His ancestor, Feng Ting, served as the governor of Shangdang under the Han dynasty. During the Qin-Han transition, Feng Ting defended Shangdang against Qin forces but ultimately had to seek refuge with the Zhao state, where he was granted the title Lord of Huayang. Feng Ting’s descendants dispersed, some staying in Luyang, others serving as officials in Zhao. By the time of the Qin’s unification of China, Feng Ting’s descendants, Feng Wu Ze, Feng Qu Ji, and Feng Jie, were all high-ranking officials.
During the Han dynasty, Feng Tang, a notable figure during Emperor Wen’s reign, gained prominence. Feng Fengshi, a descendant of Feng Ting, was chosen as a young official and later as a captain for his family background. Under Emperor Zhao, he served as a county chief and learned the essentials of governance and military strategy. His understanding of grand strategies and military tactics, combined with his righteous conduct, made him a respected figure.
During the middle of the Yuan dynasty, Feng Fengshi joined the military campaign against the Xiongnu. After the campaign, he was reassigned as a captain. The Han court frequently sent envoys to the Western Regions, but many missions failed due to corruption or lack of respect from foreign entities. At this time, the Wusun tribe had made significant contributions to defeating the Xiongnu. The Han sought to solidify alliances with the Western Regions and selected capable envoys for the task. Feng Fengshi was recommended and sent to deliver messages to the various states, including Dayuan.
Upon arriving at Yixiu City, Deputy Commander Song Jiang reported that Shache and neighboring states had killed the Han-appointed king Wan Nian and Han envoy Xi Chongguo. The Xiongnu also attacked the city of Jushi but failed. Shache’s envoys boasted about the northern states aligning with the Xiongnu and their intentions to cut off communications with the Han. Protector General Zheng Ji and Captain Sima Yi were in the northern regions. Feng Fengshi and his deputy Yan Chang strategized, recognizing the increasing strength of Shache and the potential threat it posed to the Western Regions. They decided to mobilize troops from the northern and southern regions, amassing an army of 15,000 to attack Shache. They successfully captured the city, and the king of Shache committed suicide. Feng Fengshi sent the king’s head to Chang’an, securing peace in the Western Regions.
Emperor Xuan praised General Han Zeng for recommending Feng Fengshi, who continued his journey to Dayuan. The Dayuan, impressed by Feng Fengshi’s military success, treated him with great respect. He returned with famous horses, delighting the emperor. Discussions arose about rewarding Feng Fengshi, with most officials agreeing on the merits of his accomplishments. However, some, like Minister Xiao Wangzhi, argued that Feng Fengshi had exceeded his authority by mobilizing troops without explicit orders. They feared that such actions might encourage future envoys to take similar risks, creating potential diplomatic issues.
Despite these reservations, Feng Fengshi was appointed as Grand Commandant of the Guards and held other high-ranking positions. Under Emperor Yuan, he became the Commander of the Guards. During a period of unrest, over 10,000 Huns defected but later rebelled. Previously, during Emperor Zhao’s reign, another Hun leader, Yi Chou Ruowang, also rebelled. Feng Fengshi led troops to pursue them, eventually defeating them.
When General Chang Hui died, Feng Fengshi succeeded him. He served as a senior military officer for several years, eventually becoming Grand Minister of the Imperial Household. In the autumn of Yongguang’s second year, the Qiang tribes rebelled. Feng Fengshi proposed a swift military campaign to suppress the rebellion. He argued that a large force of 40,000 troops was necessary to ensure a decisive victory, contrasting with the cautious approach of other officials who recommended a smaller force. Despite his recommendations, the emperor approved only a modest increase in troops. Feng Fengshi, with a smaller force of 12,000, strategically divided his troops and achieved significant victories against the Qiang, capturing key locations and repelling the invaders.
In recognition of his achievements, Feng Fengshi was honored with titles and rewards, though some officials continued to debate the appropriateness of his actions and the potential implications for future diplomatic missions. Feng Fengshi’s legacy endured, with his descendants serving in prominent positions. His dedication to duty, strategic acumen, and contributions to stabilizing the frontier regions left a lasting impact on the Han dynasty’s military and diplomatic efforts.
Feng Fengshi’s story exemplifies the complexities of governance and military strategy during the Han dynasty. His ability to navigate the intricate political landscape, coupled with his decisive military actions, underscores the importance of strong leadership in maintaining stability and securing the empire’s borders. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring influence of skilled and dedicated officials in shaping the course of history.