A Long-Awaited Opportunity

In the spring of 450 AD, as General Shen Qingzhi returned to Jiankang (modern Nanjing) after suppressing rebellions in Yongzhou, an unexpected opportunity presented itself to Emperor Liu Yilong of the Liu Song Dynasty. The Northern Wei Emperor Tuoba Tao (also known as Emperor Taiwu) had launched a southern raid, creating political instability in the north. This chaos was further exacerbated by the execution of Cui Hao, Tuoba Tao’s chief strategist, whose death sent shockwaves through the Northern Wei court.

For Liu Yilong, this was the moment he had waited two decades for—a chance to reclaim the Central Plains, lost to the northern “barbarians” since the fall of the Western Jin Dynasty. Yet, not everyone shared his enthusiasm. Shen Qingzhi, a seasoned military commander, warned against the campaign, arguing that infantry forces stood little chance against the Northern Wei’s formidable cavalry. When challenged by court officials Xu Zhanzhi and Jiang Zhan, Shen retorted sharply: “Governing a state is like managing a household. If you want to farm, ask a farmer; if you want to weave, ask a seamstress. But if you ask scholars about war, what can they possibly say?”

Despite these objections, Liu Yilong was determined. Even his crown prince, Liu Shao, and General Xiao Sihua urged caution, but the emperor’s mind was set.

The Northern Wei’s Mocking Challenge

Tuoba Tao, upon hearing of Liu Yilong’s plans, sent a taunting letter: “We’ve enjoyed peace for years, yet you greedily lure my border subjects south. This year, I merely reclaimed them. Now, at fifty, you’ve never left your palace—how will you fare against a people born on horseback? I send you twelve horses and medicine: ride when weary, take the drugs if the climate sickens you.”

Undeterred, Liu Yilong issued an edict on July 12, declaring a grand northern campaign. He claimed that desperate pleas from the Central Plains and an alliance offer from the Rouran Khaganate justified the invasion.

The Grand Mobilization

Liu Yilong’s strategy was ambitious:
– Wang Xuanmo, leading a naval force up the Yellow River, would besiege Huatai (modern Anyang).
– Zang Zhi and Wang Fanghui would march toward Luoyang and Xuchang.
– Regional governors would coordinate attacks from multiple fronts.
– Liu Yigong, the supreme commander, would oversee operations from Pengcheng.

To fund the war, Liu Yilong imposed heavy taxes and conscripted men from six provinces—every third or fifth male was drafted, with the wealthy allowed to hire substitutes. Monasteries and wealthy households were forced to “loan” a quarter of their assets to the state.

The Rise and Fall of Wang Xuanmo

Wang Xuanmo, the campaign’s vanguard, was a controversial figure. A descendant of the prestigious Wang clan, he had spent years advocating for northern expeditions, earning Liu Yilong’s admiration. Yet his military record was dubious—prior defeats and a reputation for arrogance overshadowed his zeal.

Upon reaching Huatai, Wang squandered multiple opportunities:
– He refused to burn the city’s straw huts, fearing damage to loot.
– He alienated local militias by forcibly integrating them into his ranks.
– He extorted pears from peasants after promising cloth, eroding popular support.

When Tuoba Tao counterattacked in October, Wang panicked and fled, abandoning vast supplies. His incompetence turned a promising campaign into a disaster.

The Western Front: A Glimmer of Hope

While Wang floundered, the western army under Liu Dan achieved remarkable success. Led by generals like Xue Andu, they captured strategic points like Hongnong and Tong Pass, rallying local Han Chinese against Northern Wei rule.

Xue Andu, a former Northern Wei officer, became a legend during the siege of Shancheng. In a display of unmatched bravery, he charged enemy lines alone, turning the tide of battle. His heroism inspired the troops, leading to a decisive victory.

The Emperor’s Fatal Mistake

Just as the western advance threatened Northern Wei’s heartland, Liu Yilong inexplicably ordered a retreat. Historians speculate that Wang Xuanmo’s failure spooked him, or perhaps he underestimated the western gains. Whatever the reason, the withdrawal allowed Tuoba Tao to focus on ravaging the south.

The Aftermath: A Trail of Destruction

Tuoba Tao’s retaliation was brutal. His forces pillaged cities, massacred civilians, and even impaled infants for sport. The devastation echoed the darkest days of the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

Liu Yilong’s dream of reunification died in the ashes of his failed campaign. The Northern Wei emerged stronger, while the Liu Song Dynasty’s credibility crumbled.

Lessons from History

The 450 AD expedition underscores timeless truths:
1. Hubris in Leadership: Liu Yilong’s disregard for dissent led to catastrophe.
2. The Cost of Incompetence: Wang Xuanmo’s greed and ineptitude doomed thousands.
3. Missed Opportunities: The western front’s successes were abandoned too soon.

As Sun Tzu warned, “War is a grave affair of state… the general who understands it is the guardian of the people’s fate.” Liu Yilong’s tragedy reminds us that ambition, unchecked by wisdom, invites ruin.