Shi Jingsi facts for kids
Shi Jingcun (史敬存), also known as Shi Jingsi, was a brave general in ancient China. He lived during the late Tang dynasty and worked for a powerful military leader named Li Keyong. Shi Jingcun is remembered for his courage and loyalty, especially during a dangerous time in Chinese history. He died on June 11, 884.
Who Was Shi Jingcun?
Shi Jingcun came from a place called Yanmen, which is near modern-day Datong in Shanxi province. He started his military career there as a junior officer. When the military leader Li Keyong took control of Yanmen, Shi Jingcun was given more responsibility. He became a leader for nine different areas. Later, he was promoted to a higher general position in Taiyuan, which was the main city controlled by Li Keyong.
Fighting Against Rebels
In early 884, Li Keyong led his army to fight against a large rebel group led by Huang Chao. Shi Jingcun was a very important part of this army. He was the "vanguard" general, meaning he led the first group of soldiers into battle. His job was to help cities like Chenzhou and Xuzhou, which were under attack by Huang Chao's rebels.
Huang Chao then surrounded another important city called Bianzhou. The military leader of Bianzhou, Zhu Wen, asked Li Keyong for urgent help. Li Keyong's army, with Shi Jingcun leading the way, bravely defeated Huang Chao's forces near Bianzhou. Shi Jingcun continued to chase the rebels all the way to Xuzhou and Yanzhou. He was known for always fighting at the very front of the battles because he was so brave.
A Heroic Sacrifice
On June 11, 884, Shi Jingcun went with Li Keyong to a celebration feast in Bianzhou. The feast was hosted by Zhu Wen to celebrate their victories. However, during the banquet, Li Keyong and Zhu Wen had an argument. Zhu Wen, who was a very ambitious leader, might have already planned something bad.
After the feast, Li Keyong and his men went back to their lodging place. Zhu Wen secretly sent hundreds of soldiers to attack them. The attackers blocked all the exits with trees, fences, and wagons to trap everyone inside.
Li Keyong was taking a long time to wake up. Shi Jingcun quickly climbed a tower and used his arrows to fight off dozens of the attackers. While other guards, like Li Siyuan, helped Li Keyong escape in the pouring rain, Shi Jingcun stayed behind. He bravely fought Zhu Wen's soldiers at a bridge, protecting Li Keyong's escape. Shi Jingcun fought until he was tragically killed.
Li Keyong managed to escape to safety by climbing over the city wall. He was very sad about Shi Jingcun's death. This event started a long and bitter war between Li Keyong and Zhu Wen that lasted for many years. Shi Jingcun's son, Shi Jiantang, also became a famous general, serving under Li Keyong and his son, Li Cunxu.
