Battle of Jao Modo

Timeline

1. 1696Kerulen River–Ningxia line · Northwest ChinaKangxi deployed three expeditionary columns: the center out of Dushikou along the Kerulen, personally led by the emperor; the west under Fei Yanggu, out of Ningxia across the desert toward the Tolon; and the east out of Liaodong in support. Logistics relied on military-agricultural colonies, camel transport, and Khalkha pasture supplies—the Qing army's first large-scale coordinated operation deep into the northern steppe.
2. 1696Kerulen River · Kerulen RiverUpon reaching the Kerulen River the center column found Galdan had already gone west. With provisions nearly exhausted Kangxi was forced to consider withdrawing while urging the west column to intercept toward the Tolon. Galdan never engaged the center in battle, instead running into Fei Yanggu's force.
3. 1696Jao Modo (upper Terelj River) · Tolon River basinGaldan's troops entered the valley held by Fei Yanggu's west column, with mountains behind and river before, and were forced to fight. Sun Sike's Xi'an Green Standard troops held the center while Manchu and Mongol cavalry spread across both wings; cannon and muskets shattered the Dzungar cavalry formation. Anu fell in battle and Galdan broke out with only a few dozen riders. The Qing annihilated a great many enemies, essentially destroying Dzungar eastward striking power.