Luo Shixin

Luo Shixin
Luo Shixin
罗士信
Personal details
Born	c. 600; Licheng
Died	622; Southern Hebei
Occupation	General
Title	Duke of Tan

Luo Shixin (c. 600–622) was a general during the transitional period between the Sui and Tang dynasties of China.

History

Luo Shixin was originally a young soldier under Zhang Xutuo, one of top generals of the Sui dynasty during Emperor Yang's reign. In 613, when he was only 14 years old, Luo Shixin fought in various battles against peasant uprisings in the Shandong region. His bravery left a deep impression on Zhang Xutuo.^[1] Afterwards, Luo Shixin continued serving in Zhang Xutuo's army. He gradually became famous within Sui armies in which he served as well as within many rebellious forces. Because he was strong and brave in the battle, it was commonly believed that his enemies would be scared after hearing his name. Even Emperor Yang knew him by name and commended him, which was rare for a soldier of his rank.^[2]

In 614, Luo Shixin and Qin Shubao played key roles in defeating the peasant army led by Lu Mingyue. In 616, Zhang Xutuo was killed in battle. Luo Shixin thus became a soldier under Pei Renji, another Sui general. Pei Renji relied heavily on Luo Shixin in battle and treated him very well. However, in 617, Pei Renji was defeated by Wagang Army and surrendered, while Luo Shixin also joined the Wagang Army while being promoted to be a commander.^[3]

Not long afterwards, Luo Shixin was captured by Wang Shichong, another rebellion warlord based in Luoyang, during a battle. Wang Shichong knew that Luo Shixin had great talent, so he treated Luo Shixin well and tried to let him surrender.^[4] However, Luo Shixin disliked Wang Shichong and thought that Wang Shichong would eventually be defeated. He was especially disappointed after Wang Shichong executed Pei Renji and Pei Xingyan. After some struggles and conflicts with Wang Shichong's nephew, Luo Shixin escaped from Luoyang and submitted to the emerging Tang dynasty instead. Emperor Gaozu was delighted to get Luo Shixin, and immediately promoted Luo Shixin to be a high-ranked general.^[5] From 620 to 621, Luo Shixin took part in the campaign against Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande. He played a key role in Battle of Hulao in which Tang forces completely destroyed the allied force between Wang and Dou. In order to reward his contributions, Emperor Gaozu gave Luo Shixin the title Duke of Tan.

In 622, Luo Shixin took part in the campaign against Liu Heita. At that time, another general of Tang named Wang Junkuo was guarding a small city by the Ming River (near today's Shahe). Wang Junkuo was struggling under Liu Heita's attacks, and the reinforcement army led by Li Shimin failed to approach the city after three tries.^[6] Luo Shixin thus led his division charging toward the city. He communicated with Wang Junkuo with flag signals, and successfully joined force with Wang Junkuo after opening up a pathway in Liu Heita's formations.^[7] Later, Wang Junkuo broke out of the encirclement, but Luo Shixin and his 200 men were trapped by Liu Heita's army. Luo Shixin was eventually captured by Liu's army. Liu Heita wanted Luo Shixin to surrender but Luo Shixin refused, so Liu Heita executed Luo Shixin.^[8] Li Shimin was sad to hear about the death of Luo Shixin, bought his body back from Liu Heita and buried him ceremoniously ^[9] near the tomb of his former superior Pei Renji.^[10]

In popular culture

Luo Shixin's stories triggered the creation of the semi-fictional figure Luo Cheng in many folk tales. In those tales, he was said to be a son of Luo Yi and cousin of Qin Shubao, and was one of the greatest warriors at that time. In some other versions, Luo Shixin was described as a naïve and clumsy soldier but has a strength that could rival the best warrior at his time.

References

^ Old Book of Tang: 罗士信，齐州历城人也。大业中，长白山贼王簿、左才相、孟让来寇齐郡，通守张须陀率兵讨击。士信年始十四，固请自效。须陀谓曰："汝形容未胜衣甲，何可入阵！"士信怒，重著二甲，左右双鞬而上马，须陀壮而从之。
^ Old Book of Tang: 炀帝遣使慰喻之，又令画工写须陀、士信战阵之图，上于内史。
^ New Book of Tang: 后须陀为李密所杀，士信与裴仁基归密，署总管
^ Old Book of Tang: 败，士信跃马突进，身中数矢，乃陷于世充军。世充知其骁勇，厚礼之，与同寝食。
^ New Book of Tang: 士信耻与伍，率所部千余人来降高祖，拜陕州道行军总管
^ New Book of Tang: 从秦王击刘黑闼洛水上，得一城，王君廓戍之，贼急攻，溃而出。
^ Zizhi Tongjian: 刘黑闼攻洺水甚急。城四旁皆有水，广五十馀步，黑闼于城东北筑二甬道以攻之；世民三引兵救之，黑闼拒之，不得进。世民恐王君廓不能守，召诸将谋之，李世勣曰：“若甬道达城下，城必不守。”行军总管郯勇公罗士信请代君廓守之。世民乃登城西南高冢，以旗招君廓，君廓帅其徒力战，溃围而出。士信帅左右二百人乘之入城，代君廓固守。
^ Old Book of Tang: 黑闼闻其勇，意欲活之；士信词色不屈，遂遇害，年二十。
^ Old Book of Tang: 太宗闻而伤惜，购得其尸，葬之
^ Old Book of Tang: 士信初为裴仁基所礼，尝感其知己之恩，及东都平，遂以家财收敛，葬于北邙。又云："我死后，当葬此墓侧。"及卒，果就仁基左而托葬焉。