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Zu Dashou

Type Figure Region China Time 1579–1656 Also known as Dingyuan

A renowned late-Ming general from Liaoyang, Liaoning, of a hereditary Liaodong military family, who defended Ningyuan and Jinzhou during the Tianqi a…

Timeline

  1. 1626–1631Ningyuan · LiaodongFrom the Tianqi era he garrisoned Ningyuan, cooperating with Yuan Chonghuan and others in defending the city, and took part in the Great Victory at Ningyuan, serving as a core commander of the Liaodong defense line.
  2. 1631–1640Jinzhou · LiaodongIn the 1630s he held the fortress of Jinzhou, coordinating with Hong Chengchou and others against Qing sieges. In 1631 he briefly surrendered to the Qing before returning, continuing to lead troops in the city's defense as a pillar of Liaodong's last line.
  3. 1642Songshan · LiaodongDuring the Battle of Song-Jin, with Jinzhou isolated and unsupported, Zu Dashou led his troops out of the city and surrendered to the Qing; the key towns of Liaodong fell in succession and the Ming court's Liaodong defense line completely collapsed.

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