The Making of a Ming Dynasty Warrior

Liu Ting, styled Zishen, hailed from Hongdu in Jiangxi (modern-day Nanchang). His life story reads like a classic tale of martial heroism forged through generations of military service. Born into a distinguished military family, Liu inherited his warrior’s spirit from his father Liu Xian, a senior Ming officer who defied conventional parenting by bringing his son along on military campaigns rather than leaving him at home for classical education.

This unconventional upbringing produced remarkable results. Young Liu Ting grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of warfare rather than the quiet contemplation of poetry. His military education began almost as soon as he could walk, and he quickly demonstrated extraordinary martial prowess. What truly set him apart was his signature weapon—a massive 120-jin (approximately 160 pounds) bintie greatsword that he could wield with terrifying speed and precision, earning him the fearsome nickname “Liu Da Dao” (Liu the Great Sword).

The Rise of a Military Prodigy

Liu’s battlefield debut came during the Wanli Emperor’s early reign when he accompanied his father on campaigns against southwestern tribes. Despite his youth, he distinguished himself through fearless combat and tactical brilliance. By 1582, he had advanced to the rank of guerrilla general after crushing Burmese forces. His career trajectory continued upward as he answered the empire’s call wherever rebellion or invasion threatened, earning promotion to assistant regional commander by the time of the Japanese invasions of Korea.

When war erupted in Korea, Liu initially found himself sidelined—considered too junior for major commands under senior commanders like Li Rusong. Undeterred, he petitioned for deployment and soon found himself promoted to vice regional commander in Korea. His role remained secondary during the first phase of the war, primarily supporting commanders like Wu Weizhong and Zha Dashou. After the Ming withdrawal in 1595, Liu stayed behind as an instructor training Korean forces, biding his time until hostilities resumed.

The Imjin War and Liu’s Pivotal Role

When war returned to Korea in 1597, Liu Da Dao finally gained his opportunity for glory. Among the Ming expeditionary forces, three units stood out for their combat effectiveness: Li Rusong’s Liaodong cavalry, Wu Weizhong’s Qi Family troops, and Liu Ting’s unique “chariot army.” This 5,000-strong mixed force from Sichuan combined infantry, cavalry, and firearms units with mobile fortifications—an innovation that Japanese forces found particularly difficult to counter.

Liu’s chariot army employed a devastating combined arms tactic: cavalry would screen the advance while infantry pushed mobile barricades. Upon contact, they formed defensive circles with the barricades, from which firearms units delivered concentrated volleys. After breaking enemy momentum, cavalry would sally forth to disrupt formations, followed by infantry mopping up operations. This flexible system proved brutally effective in numerous engagements.

The Decisive Battle of Suncheon

Liu’s moment of truth came in September 1598 when he marched on Suncheon, held by Japanese commander Konishi Yukinaga. Unlike fanatical colleagues, Konishi had long recognized the futility of Japan’s Korean adventure. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s death, he focused on orderly withdrawal rather than glorious last stands.

Familiar with Liu’s prowess from previous encounters, Konishi adopted simple but effective tactics—he refused battle entirely. Despite furious assaults, Konishi’s defenses held. Liu then attempted negotiations (a common Ming stratagem that had fooled Konishi multiple times before). Though initially skeptical, Konishi nearly fell for Liu’s fourth overture until a Ming defector revealed the ruse.

Meanwhile, the central Ming army under Dong Yiyuan faced disaster at Sacheon against Shimazu Yoshihiro’s hardened veterans. A gunpowder accident turned certain victory into rout, allowing the Japanese to claim an improbable triumph. This setback forced Ming commanders to reconsider their entire strategy.

The Naval Masterstroke

The strategic deadlock was broken by an unlikely figure—Chen Lin, a corrupt but brilliant Guangdong naval commander. Paired with the venerable Deng Zilong and Korean admiral Yi Sun-sin, Chen implemented a devastating blockade strategy. His fleet ravaged Japanese supply lines along Korea’s coast, creating critical food shortages.

By November 1598, the Japanese withdrawal began in earnest. Ming commanders allowed Konishi’s colleagues Katō Kiyomasa and Shimazu to retreat unmolested, focusing instead on trapping Konishi at Suncheon. When Shimazu honorably returned with 10,000 men to rescue Konishi, Chen Lin sprung his trap at the Battle of Noryang.

The Climactic Battle of Noryang

Chen’s brilliant disposition placed Deng Zilong’s 3,000 troops north of Noryang Strait, Yi Sun-sin’s 5,000 to the south at Gwaneumpo, while Chen held the main force in reserve. As Shimazu’s fleet entered the strait on November 18, the trap closed. Deng cut off retreat while Yi hammered the flank. Though the 70-year-old Deng perished in the fighting, the Japanese fleet was annihilated—only Shimazu escaped with a handful of ships. Konishi managed to slip away separately, but Japan’s Korean adventure had ended in disaster.

Legacy of the Sword and the Strategy

Liu Da Dao’s story encapsulates the Ming military’s adaptation during the Imjin War. His chariot army represented innovative tactical thinking, while his perseverance exemplified the Ming officer corps’ determination. More broadly, the coordinated Ming-Korean strategy—combining Liu’s ground forces with Chen Lin’s naval blockade—demonstrated sophisticated operational art that ultimately broke Japanese logistics and morale.

The Imjin War marked a watershed in East Asian history. For Japan, it ended expansionist dreams until the modern era. Korea, though devastated, preserved its sovereignty. The Ming, while victorious, expended resources that weakened its position against later Manchu threats. Through it all, legends like Liu Da Dao and his whirling greatsword became enduring symbols of courage and martial prowess in the face of overwhelming challenges.