The Iron-Blooded General: Huo Qubing

In the sixth year of Yuanshuo under Emperor Wu of Han (123 BC), seventeen-year-old Huo Qubing became a Piaoyao Commandant and joined his uncle Wei Qing on a campaign in the lands south of the desert, where they crushed the Xiongnu. Over the next two years, Huo Qubing led troops on two more campaigns, defeating the Xiongnu and occupying the Hexi region. From then on, the Han dynasty's western frontier remained secure. At the age of twenty-two, Huo Qubing led his army more than two thousand li north into the desert to hunt down the main Xiongnu force, advancing all the way to the Sea of Han. After this battle, “the Xiongnu fled far away, and no royal court remained south of the desert.”

But two years later, this dazzling star among China's famous generals died at the age of just twenty-four. Huo Qubing was the youngest great general in ancient Chinese history, and one of the most legendary military commanders in the hearts of the Chinese people. His story has been passed down through the generations. Almost every Chinese person has heard of his victories, but few know about his short yet brilliant life. Drawing on historical records, this book recreates in novel form the legendary and glorious life of this bold young general. It takes readers back to an age of war and lets them once more experience Huo Qubing's passion and resolve: “I shall not return until the Xiongnu are defeated.”