Duke Xiang

Biography 傳

Duke Xiang of Song is one of the most controversial figures of Chinese history — remembered as a chivalrous fool who insisted on 'proper' warfare and lost his chance at hegemony. During a battle against Chu, he refused to attack while the Chu army was crossing a river or while they were forming their ranks, insisting that a true gentleman 'does not strike an enemy who has not formed rank.' By the time the Chu army was fully prepared, they routed the Song forces, and Duke Xiang was wounded in the thigh. He died of this wound the following year. His story became the classic Chinese example of rigid adherence to archaic chivalry in the face of military reality.

Details 細節

Sources 來源