Liu Qi: Southern Song Anti-Jin General and the Strategic Turning Point of the Battle of Xianren Pass

Brief Introduction

Liu Qi (1089–1153), courtesy name Xijie, was an outstanding military general during the Southern Song Dynasty. He gained prominence in the Shaoxing era due to his distinguished military achievements, playing a pivotal role in the defensive system of the Sichuan-Shaanxi region. As the Pacification Commissioner of Mian, Wei, and Mao, Liu Qi was not only responsible for the security of this strategic hub but also demonstrated exceptional tactical command skills in the Battle of Xianren Pass. This battle served as a crucial turning point for the Southern Song's defense against the Jin Dynasty's campaigns in the Sichuan-Shaanxi region. Relying on his indomitable will and precise tactical deployment, Liu Qi successfully repelled the main Jin forces, safeguarding the security of the Sichuan barrier.

Core Knowledge Points

#### 1. The Authority and Strategic Position of the Pacification Commissioner of Mian, Wei, and Mao
The regions of Mianzhou, Weizhou, and Maozhou (roughly corresponding to present-day Jiangyou, Wenchuan, and Maoxian in Sichuan Province) formed a vital artery in the Sichuan-Shaanxi region. Connecting Guanzhong with Sichuan, they were an unavoidable route for Jin forces moving south. Liu Qi’s tenure in this role implied that he bore the heavy responsibility of defending against Jin breakthroughs at Jianmen and protecting the Chengdu Plain. This position not only involved military command but also encompassed multiple functions such as regional public order, logistical allocation, and intelligence network management, requiring the incumbent to possess high-level comprehensive management capabilities.

#### 2. Tactical Features of the Battle of Xianren Pass
Located on the banks of the Jialing River, Xianren Pass featured formidable terrain. In the 23rd year of Shaoxing (1153), the Jin general Wanyan Xiyin led a large army to besiege Xianren Pass. Liu Qi adopted a strategy of holding firm to exhaust the enemy and seizing the opportunity to counterattack:

  • Psychological Warfare: He displayed a large number of flags inside the city to create the illusion of ample troops, thereby shaking the enemy’s morale.
  • Utilization of Terrain: Leveraging the strategic advantage of the stone-mountain gates, he held his ground without retreating even during the enemy’s fiercest offensives.
  • Tactical Surprise: Once the enemy was exhausted and facing supply difficulties, he concentrated superior forces to launch night raids or flank envelopments. Ultimately, he achieved victory with fewer troops, forcing the Jin army to retreat.

#### 3. Liu Qi’s Philosophy of "Responsibility to Defend the Soil"
Liu Qi led by example in battle, frequently going to the front lines to supervise combat personally. He maintained his post even after being struck by arrows. His military thought emphasized "relying on terrain to utilize the relative strength of numbers," prioritizing practical results over mere reputation. This reflected the typical characteristic of mid-Southern Song generals seeking active breakthroughs within a passive defensive posture.

Connection with the Content of the Continuation of the Zizhi Tongjian

In Li Xinchuan’s Continuation of the Zizhi Tongjian, Liu Qi’s deeds are recorded under the entry for the 23rd year of Shaoxing (1153). The book details the background of the Jin siege of Xianren Pass, Liu Qi’s response strategies, and the outcome of the battle:

  • Historical Records: The Continuation of the Zizhi Tongjian explicitly records that, as the Pacification Commissioner of Mian, Wei, and Mao, Liu Qi adopted a strategy of "shutting the gates and holding firm" against the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Jin forces. At critical moments, he coordinated forces from various regions for counterattacks. The text particularly highlights how Liu Qi coordinated local militias with regular armies to form a united front, and how he used intelligence work to accurately predict enemy movements.
  • Historical Evaluation: The victory at Xianren Pass, as recorded in this text, is attributed not only to Liu Qi’s personal bravery but also to the Southern Song court’s strategic emphasis on the Sichuan-Shaanxi defense line. Liu Qi’s victory slowed the Jin advance southward, securing precious time for adjustments on the Southern Song’s eastern front. It stands as a paradigmatic case of the successful defense of the early Southern Song Sichuan-Shaanxi line.

Conclusion

Liu Qi’s victory at Xianren Pass was not only a reflection of his personal military talent but also a microcosm of the resilience of the Southern Song defensive system. Through the records in the Continuation of the Zizhi Tongjian, we can clearly discern the significant position of this battle in the long river of history. For the study of Southern Song military history, the defensive system of the Ba-Shu region, and the process of the Song-Jin wars, Liu Qi and the Battle of Xianren Pass under his command remain indispensable reference cases.