Li Guang was a celebrated general of the Western Han Dynasty, known for his extraordinary bravery and mastery of archery. He served through the reigns of three emperors and fought in over seventy battles against the Xiongnu. His skill in guerrilla warfare and his ability to strike with sudden speed earned him the nickname 'The Flying General' (ι£ε°θ») from the Xiongnu, who deeply feared and respected him. He was a man of great physical strength and was said to be able to draw a bow with immense power.
One of the most famous legends surrounding Li Guang describes his incredible archery skills. While out hunting at twilight, he spotted what he thought was a tiger crouching in the grass. He immediately drew his bow and fired an arrow. Upon approaching the 'tiger' the next morning, he discovered that it was actually a large, solid rock, and his arrow had buried its head deep into the stone. This story of his 'arrow piercing the stone' became a metaphor for the power of human will and concentration in Chinese culture.
Despite his legendary fame and numerous victories, Li Guang was often described as a tragic figure. He frequently found himself in unfavorable situations due to bad luck or tactical errors of his superiors. For most of his life, he was denied the noble title of marquis, leading to the popular saying 'Li Guang has bad luck; Feng Tang grows old easily.' His soldiers loved him for his simple lifestyle and his habit of eating and sleeping alongside them, but his career was marked by a series of narrow escapes and missed opportunities.
Li Guang's life came to a tragic end following the Battle of Mobei in 119 BC. After losing his way in the desert and arriving late for a coordinated attack, he was faced with an inquiry from the imperial court. Rather than endure the humiliation of a trial and interrogation by minor officials, the proud general chose to take his own life. His death caused widespread mourning among his soldiers and the common people, who saw him as a hero who had given everything to the defense of his country.