Deng Qiang came to prominence during the reign of Fu Sheng when he helped defeat and kill the Qiang warlord Yao Xiang, but for most of his career he would serve Sheng's successor, Fu Jian.
24 Facts About Deng Qiang
1.
2.
Deng Qiang was a leading figure in the rise of Former Qin, along with Wang Meng, as he led Fu Jian's army to victory against Zhang Ping and Former Yan.
3.
Deng Qiang stamped out corruption in the government and put down the rebellions of Fu Jian's relatives and Zhang Yu.
4.
Deng Qiang was a native of Anding Commandery and his ancestor was said to have been Deng Yu, an Eastern Han dynasty general during the reign of Emperor Guangwu.
5.
Deng Qiang was described as having a brave personality, and excelled at horse riding and archery.
6.
Deng Qiang was very fluent in the Art of War that during the reign of Fu Jian, he was instructed to teach it to Fu Jian's son, Fu Pi.
7.
Deng Qiang's first recorded activity was in 356, serving as General Who Establishes Fortitude, when the Former Yan general Muyu Zhangqing attacked Former Qin's Fort Peishi.
8.
Deng Qiang carried out his plans, inciting Yao Xiang to come out and give chase.
9.
Deng Qiang turned his cavalry around and joined in the ambush.
10.
Deng Qiang would continue to serve the state following the regime change with Fu Jian as the new ruler.
11.
In 359, Deng Qiang campaigned against the rebel Gao Li in Lueyang and vanquished him.
12.
In 366, Deng Qiang participated in Wang Meng's campaign against the Longxi warlord, Li Yan, and was awarded the offices of General Who Establishes Martial Might and Inspector of Luozhou for his contributions.
13.
Deng Qiang caught him by surprise with a night raid, forcing him to retreat.
14.
Wang Meng and Deng Qiang easily captured Puban and executed Fu Liu before joining Zhang Ci and Yang An in their assault against Fu Sou at Shancheng.
15.
Deng Qiang, who came from the same commandery as Xu, defended him, stating that Qin needs to preserve its numbers, even more so since Xu Cheng is a high-ranking officer.
16.
Wang Meng argued in favor of upholding military laws but Deng Qiang further advocated that Xu Cheng be redeemed by fighting the Yan forces in the upcoming battle.
17.
Deng Qiang wanted Wang Meng to appoint him Colonel-Director of Retainers after he wins, but Wang Meng pointed out that he did not have the power to do so, although he tried to compensate him with Administrator of Anding and a Marquis of ten thousand households.
18.
Deng Qiang withdrew unsatisfied and when the battle began, he was still asleep in his camp.
19.
Deng Qiang personally charged into the enemy lines several times and killed several of the Yan troops.
20.
However, Fu Jian believed that Deng Qiang deserves better for his past merits as well, and made him General Who Guards the Army and honored him as Specially Advanced.
21.
Fu Jian dispatched Deng Qiang to destroy them while Jin sent Zhu Yao and Huan Shiqian, who defeated Yao Chang and forced him to retreat to Wucheng.
22.
Deng Qiang proceeded to defeat Zhu Yao and Huan Shiqian in the west before finally claiming Zhang Yu and Yang Guang's heads at Mianzhu.
23.
Deng Qiang had several sons, all of who were praised for their upright characters, but only two of them were recorded: Deng Jing and Deng Yi.
24.
Deng Qiang Yi was the younger of the two and was serving as Chancellor of Hejian prior to the Battle of Fei River in 383.