From Tribal Roots to Tang Dynasty General

Li Guangbi, one of the twin pillars of Tang military resistance alongside Guo Ziyi during the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763 CE), embodied the multicultural fabric of the empire. Born to a Khitan chieftain who had sworn allegiance to Empress Wu Zetian, Li grew up steeped in martial traditions. His early mastery of horseback archery and battlefield tactics earned him rapid promotion under Wang Zhongsi, the Jiedushi (military governor) of Hexi. Campaigns against Tibet and the Tuyuhun Kingdom further honed his skills, culminating in his appointment as Yunhui General. When the An Lushan Rebellion erupted, Guo Ziyi personally recommended Li as Deputy Jiedushi of Hedong, thrusting him into the pivotal theater of war.

Turning the Tide: The Hebei Campaign of 756

The rebellion’s early stages saw An Lushan’s forces overrun Hebei and Henan, including the eastern capital Luoyang. In a strategic masterstroke, Li Guangbi and Guo Ziyi targeted the rebels’ supply lines. Leading a combined force of 10,000 infantry and 3,000 crossbowmen through the Jingxing Pass, Li recaptured Changshan (modern Zhengding). Facing Shi Siming’s 20,000 cavalry, Li devised a defensive-offensive hybrid strategy:

– The Crossbow Gambit: Deploying 1,500 crossbowmen in rotating volleys, he shattered the enemy’s cavalry charges.
– Ambush at Fengbi: Learning of 5,000 fatigued rebel infantry encamped near Jiumen, Li executed a lightning strike, annihilating the entire detachment.

These victories forced Shi Siming into retreat, allowing Tang forces to reclaim seven counties. The subsequent joint campaign with Guo Ziyi culminated in the Battle of Jiashan (757), where 40,000 rebels were crushed, severing An Lushan’s connection to his northern base.

The Siege of Taiyuan: A Tactical Masterclass

With Emperor Xuanzong ignoring Li’s strategic advice to fortify Tong Pass, the Tang suffered catastrophic losses at the Battle of Tongguan (756). As the court fled, Li was left with just 5,000 men to defend Taiyuan against Shi Siming’s 100,000-strong army. His defense became legendary:

– Improvised Fortifications: Li ordered trenches dug and earthen walls erected overnight, neutralizing the rebels’ siege engines.
– Psychological Warfare: Feigning surrender, he lured the enemy into a trap, killing 10,000.
– Decisive Counterattack: Exploiting infighting among rebels after An Lushan’s assassination, Li routed the besiegers, inflicting 70,000 casualties.

This victory preserved the Tang’s northern front, earning Li the titles of Minister of War and Duke of Wei.

The River Bian Campaign: Holding the Line

By 759, Shi Siming had declared himself emperor and invaded Henan. Outnumbered again, Li abandoned Luoyang for the strategic stronghold of Heyang (Meng County), where his adaptive tactics shone:

– The “Monkey Arm” Defense: Using the terrain’s flexibility, he repelled attacks from multiple directions.
– Naval Innovation: Crushing Shi’s fireboat assault with hooked poles and catapults.
– The Heyang Counteroffensive: In a three-day battle, Li’s 20,000 troops killed 10,000 rebels and captured 8,000.

Tragic End and Legacy

Emperor Suzong’s overreach forced Li into a doomed offensive at Mangshan (760). Defeat led to his political marginalization, and he died in 762, embittered and ill. Yet his legacy endured:

– Strategic Influence: His defensive doctrines were studied for centuries, influencing Ming-era generals.
– Cultural Symbol: The “Li-Guo” tandem became synonymous with loyalty and ingenuity in Chinese historiography.
– Multicultural Model: As a Khitan serving the Tang, Li exemplified the dynasty’s inclusive meritocracy.

Li Guangbi’s campaigns demonstrated how tactical brilliance could offset numerical inferiority—a lesson that resonates in military academies to this day. His life also underscores a poignant truth: even the greatest generals are vulnerable to the whims of flawed leadership.