An Chongrong, Chinese general (Five Dynasties)

An Chongrong (安重榮), also known by his spirited nickname Tiehu (鐵胡), meaning "Iron Barbarian" or "Iron Hu," was a prominent military general during China's tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. His career within the Later Jin state, one of the northern dynasties of this era, culminated in a significant rebellion driven by his profound dissatisfaction with the reigning imperial foreign policy. His death on January 21, 942 CE, marked the swift end of his uprising.

The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960 CE) was an exceptionally fragmented and militaristic era in Chinese history, following the collapse of the Tang Dynasty. Characterized by rapid successions of short-lived imperial dynasties in the north and numerous independent kingdoms in the south, it was a time of constant warfare, shifting political alliances, and profound instability.

The Later Jin (936–947 CE) was established by Emperor Gaozu, Shi Jingtang (石敬瑭). Shi Jingtang ascended to power with crucial, albeit controversial, military support from the powerful Khitan Liao state (契丹遼國). In exchange for this vital aid, Shi Jingtang made profound and nationally humiliating concessions: he acknowledged himself as a "son" and "subject" to the Khitan Emperor Taizong and, more significantly, ceded the strategically vital Sixteen Prefectures of Yan Yun (幽雲十六州) to the Liao. This extensive territory, encompassing modern-day Beijing and parts of Hebei and Shanxi, was a significant loss of Chinese sovereignty and a source of deep resentment among many Han Chinese, including high-ranking officials and military commanders like An Chongrong.

As the military governor (Jiedushi) of the Pinglu Circuit (平盧, roughly modern Weifang, Shandong), a strategically important frontier region, An Chongrong was a staunch advocate for a strong, independent Chinese state. He consistently voiced his strong opposition to Later Jin's appeasement policy towards the Khitan Liao, frequently submitting formal petitions (memorials) to Emperor Shi Jingtang. In these memorials, he urged the emperor to sever the humiliating ties, cease the tribute payments, and adopt a more assertive, nationalistic stance against the northern Khitan power.

An Chongrong's anti-Khitan sentiments were not confined to petitions. He frequently engaged in actions that implicitly or explicitly provoked the Liao state, likely involving border skirmishes or defiant postures that directly contradicted Later Jin's official policy of cordiality. Driven by a potent mix of patriotism, military pride, and perhaps a degree of personal ambition, his escalating frustration eventually led him to launch an open rebellion against the Later Jin imperial court. His decision to rebel was a direct challenge to Shi Jingtang's authority and his foundational alliance with the Khitan, positioning An Chongrong as a champion of Chinese national integrity against what he perceived as a puppet regime.

However, An Chongrong's rebellion proved to be short-lived. The Later Jin imperial forces, led by skilled generals such as Yang Guangyuan and Murong Yanchao, moved swiftly and decisively to suppress the uprising. An Chongrong's forces were quickly overwhelmed, highlighting the superior organization and strength of the imperial army. Faced with imminent defeat and recognizing the futility of continued resistance, An Chongrong was tragically betrayed and killed by his own subordinates on January 21, 942 CE. This swift and pragmatic act by his inner circle was likely motivated by a desire to avoid imperial retribution and to secure their own positions by delivering the head of the rebellious general to the victorious imperial forces.

An Chongrong's failed rebellion, though brief in duration, vividly underscored the deep ideological divisions within the Later Jin court regarding its foreign policy and the lingering resentment among many Chinese over the significant concessions made to the Khitan Liao dynasty. It served as a potent, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, expression of nationalist sentiment and resistance against perceived national humiliation during a period often dominated by political opportunism and strategic compromises.

Frequently Asked Questions About An Chongrong and the Later Jin Period

Who was An Chongrong?

An Chongrong was a major general in the Later Jin state during China's Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. He was known for his strong anti-Khitan stance and eventually rebelled against the Later Jin emperor, Shi Jingtang, due to the latter's subservient relationship with the Khitan Liao dynasty.

What was the Later Jin state?

The Later Jin (936–947 CE) was one of the Five Dynasties in northern China, founded by Shi Jingtang. Its establishment was heavily dependent on military support from the Khitan Liao state, a relationship that caused significant internal dissent.

Why was An Chongrong discontented with the Later Jin emperor, Shi Jingtang?

An Chongrong was deeply discontented because Emperor Shi Jingtang had ceded the strategically vital Sixteen Prefectures of Yan Yun and adopted a subservient "son" and "subject" relationship with the Khitan Liao in exchange for their military aid. An Chongrong viewed this as a profound national humiliation and a betrayal of Chinese sovereignty.

What was the significance of the Khitan Liao state during this period?

The Khitan Liao state was a powerful nomadic empire to the north of China. They played a decisive role in the establishment of the Later Jin dynasty, effectively acting as a suzerain power over it, which created significant political and territorial ramifications for the Chinese states.

What was the outcome of An Chongrong's rebellion?

An Chongrong's rebellion was quickly suppressed by imperial forces. He was ultimately betrayed and killed by his own subordinates on January 21, 942 CE, bringing a swift end to his uprising.