Zhao Chongguo

Zhao Chongguo
1830 depiction of Zhao
Born	137 BC Shanggui, Longxi Commandery, Han China
Died	52 BC
Allegiance	Han dynasty
Years of service	c. 115–60 BC
Wars	Han–Xiongnu Wars Qiang campaign (62–60 BC)
Children	Zhao Ang
Relations	Zhao Yu (father)

Zhao Chongguo (Chinese: 趙充國; pinyin: Zhào Chōngguó, 137 – 52 BC) was a Chinese military commander and official during the Western Han dynasty. Born to a family of officials in what is now eastern Gansu, Zhao studied military science in his youth. Around 100 BC, he joined the Feathered Forest, a recently created elite cavalry unit recruited from the northwestern districts. He joined General Li Guangli's campaign against the Xiongnu confederation the following year, where he was greatly injured in combat. Emperor Wu, impressed by his service, promoted him. He served as chief of staff for the supreme head of cavalry units. In 80 BC, Zhao was additionally appointed to manage the imperial parks, which gave him control over the minting of cash coinage.

In 74 BC, he collaborated with the political leader Huo Guang to depose the newly-enthroned emperor Liu He in favor of Emperor Xuan. For this, he was appointed Marquis of Yingping and was promoted to General of the Rear. After participating in conflicts against the Xionggnu, he volunteered to lead a campaign against the Qiang (in what is now Qinghai) in 62 BC. Joined by his son, he was successful in pushing deep into Qiang territory, and exploited tribal divisions by granting amnesty to the Qiang who defected to the Han forces. Zhao rejected proposals by his fellow generals and the emperor to continue offensive operations, believing that a protracted occupation would subdue the Qiang through attrition. He was able to implement his policy of tuntian; 'farming garrisons', although the emperor simultaneously approved offensive operations by other generals. Zhao's garrison technique proved successful, and granted him acclaim and influence on later tacticians. He retired in 60 BC after the scandal and suicide of his son.