Chronicle of Qi Shaobao

Author: Qi Zeguo et al.
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Publish Date: 1997-05-01
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Excerpt:
The Biography of Qi Jiguang in the Ming Shi Records
Qi Jiguang, styled Yuanjing, was a Commandant of the Shandong Garrison. His father, Qi Jingtong, held various posts including Director of the Duyi Office and Commandant of Ning. He later served as a member of the Shenji Camp. Qi Jiguang, from a poor family, was fond of reading and excelled in classics and the great principles. During the Jiajing era, he inherited his post and was promoted to Acting Commandant of the Duyi Office, tasked with guarding against Japanese pirates in Shandong. Later, he was transferred to the Zhejiang Duyi Office as a Lieutenant General, responsible for the defense of Ning, Sha, and Tai. In the 36th year, Japanese pirates attacked Leqing, Rui'an, and Linhai. Qi Jiguang's reinforcements arrived too late due to roadblockage, and he was not blamed. He then joined forces with Yu Dayou to besiege the Japanese pirates in Zhizhi, but failed to capture them for a long time and was dismissed from office. Later, he served with a sense of guilt to eliminate the pirates. The Japanese pirates then retreated, but other pirates burned and looted Taizhou. Censors Luo Jianbin and others accused Qi Jiguang of inaction and collusion with the pirates. However, he was later reinstated for his contributions to suppressing the Zhizhi pirates. He was then transferred to command the three garrisons of Kui, Jin, and Yan.
When Qi Jiguang arrived in Zhejiang, he found that the garrison troops were unskilled in battle. He noticed that the people of Jinhua and Yidao were known for their bravery and recruited three thousand of them. He trained them in combat techniques, using both long and short weapons, making his army exceptionally skilled. Additionally, he adapted his tactics to the southern terrain, creating formations that maximized mobility and convenience. He meticulously improved all warships, firearms, and equipment, establishing the "Qi Family Army," which gained fame throughout the world.
In the 40th year, Japanese pirates heavily looted Taizhu and Qitou. Qi Jiguang swiftly advanced to Ninghai, blocking the Japanese at Taizhu and defeating them at Longshan. He pursued them to Yingmen Ridge, where the pirates fled. Exploiting the opportunity, he attacked Taizhou, personally killing their leader and crushing the remaining pirates, who were all drowned in the Gualing River. The Japanese at Qitou then advanced towards Taizhou. Qi Jiguang ambushed them at Xianju, leaving none. In nine consecutive battles, he achieved victories, capturing over a thousand pirates and causing countless others to drown. The Commander-in-Chief Lu Tang and the Lieutenant General