1. Li Mu, personal name Zuo, courtesy name Mu, was a Chinese military General of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period.
14 Facts About Li Mu
1. 2.
Li Mu is regarded by Chinese folklore as one of the four Greatest Generals of the Late Warring States period, along with Bai Qi, Wang Jian, and Lian Po.
3.
Li Mu is widely considered as one of the best defensive tacticians commanders of ancient warfare.
4.
Li Mu initially adopted an extremely defensive strategy, for which he was accused of cowardice and thereafter replaced by a more aggressive general.
5.
The Xiongnu sent a small force to raid the border, and Li Mu pretended to be defeated, and abandoned a few thousand men to the Xiongnu.
6.
In 243 BC, Li Mu took over command in the war against Yan and managed to conquer Wusui and Fangcheng.
7.
Later, as the threat from Qin increased with the previous ascension of King Zheng, Li Mu turned his focus more towards the western parts of Zhao.
8.
Li Mu was appointed as commander in chief of the Zhao army, engaging and crushing the Qin army at Yi'an or Feixia, depending on the different sources.
9.
Li Mu held off a Han-Wei incursion in Southern Zhao, after this battle the Zhao forces withdrew into their capital area.
10.
In 229 BC, Wang Jian invaded Zhao, but he could not make any progress against Li Mu, resulting in a stalemate.
11.
Li Mu was expelled from his position and soon thereafter either executed or forced to commit suicide on the king's orders.
12.
Li Mu sometimes appears as a menshen on Chinese and Taoist temples, usually paired with Bai Qi.
13.
Li Mu is commemorated at Zhenbian Hall, a temple beside the Tianxian Gate at Yanmen Pass in Shanxi.
14.
Li Mu is a central character in the manga Kingdom and its anime adaptation.