Bagong Mountain Nantang

Bagong Mountain Nantang

Nantang is a famous scenic spot in Bagong Mountain. Not only is it picturesque, but for thousands of years it has also been associated with the legendary story of Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, who was besieged at Nantang, eventually defeated the Southern Tang regime, and founded the Song Dynasty. Zhao Kuangyin was a general of the Later Zhou Dynasty. In an effort to unify the south and overthrow the Southern Tang regime of Li Yu, the Later Zhou advanced toward Shouzhou, where Zhao was besieged by the Southern Tang general Yu Hong within the Southern Tang territory. With scarce supplies inside and no reinforcements from outside, the situation became extremely critical. At this time, Gao Junbao, the son of Zhao Kuangyin’s general Gao Huaidé, risked his life to break through the encirclement and rode back to Bianliang (the capital) to seek reinforcements. The brave and skilled female general Tao Sanchun personally took command, led troops to the rescue, and appointed Gao Junbao as the vanguard. When Gao Junbao reached Shuangsuoshan in the northwest of Mengcheng, he encountered the talented, beautiful, and highly skilled heroine Liu Jinding. The two fell in love at first sight, pledged their lives to each other, and journeyed together to Bagong Mountain to launch a rescue mission. Liu Jinding led her troops to the foot of Bagong Mountain and fought bravely against four camps. Eventually, she broke through the Shoutang Pass and entered the Southern Tang military headquarters. She cornered the Southern Tang commander Yu Hong in the Dulongchong Valley, nestled between Bagong Mountain and the Huai River, and used a fire attack to defeat the enemy, lifting the siege of Nantang. This left behind tales such as “Zhao Kuangyin Besieged at Nantang” and “The Fire That Destroyed Yu Hong.”