The Flames of Southern Tang at Nantang

The Flames of Southern Tang at Nantang

Nantang is a famous scenic spot in the Bagong Mountains. Not only is it picturesque, but for thousands of years it has also been the setting of the widely told story of how Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, was besieged at Nantang and ultimately defeated the Southern Tang regime to establish the Song Dynasty.

Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, was a general of the Later Zhou Dynasty. In an effort to unify the south and overthrow the regime of Li Yu of Southern Tang, the Later Zhou advanced toward Shouzhou, where Zhao was besieged in the territory of Southern Tang by the Southern Tang general Yu Hong. 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 and led troops to the rescue, appointing Gao Junbao as the vanguard. As Gao Junbao marched to Shuangsuoshan in the northwest of Mengcheng, he encountered the talented, beautiful, and highly skilled female warrior Liu Jinding. The two fell in love at first sight, pledged their lives to each other, and set off together for the Bagong Mountains on a rescue mission.

Leading her troops, Liu Jinding arrived at the foot of Bagong Mountain and fought fiercely against four camps. Eventually, she broke through Shoutang Pass into the Southern Tang military headquarters. She cornered the Southern Tang commander Yu Hong in the gorge of Dulongchong, situated between Bagong Mountain and the Huai River, and used a fire attack to defeat the enemy, lifting the siege of Nantang and leaving behind tales such as “Zhao Kuangyin Besieged at Nantang” and “The Burning of Yu Hong.”