Basic layout of the early formation, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'. |
*Note: Yuan Yang (鴛鴦) actually referred to ruddy shelduck in Ming official documents as well as among some Ming literati. The mandarin duck as we know it today was known as Xi Chi (鸂鶒) during Ming period.
The exotic name and astounding battle records shroud the Mandarin Duck Formation in myth. In reality, Mandarin Duck Formation was very simple, straightforward and did not require a high level of martial skills nor complex manoeuvres to be effective (Qi's army was comprised of peasants and miners, most of whom were illiterate). While Mandarin Duck Formation was primarily designed for small engagement, it could be easily scaled up for use in large battle numbering thousands of troops as well.
Basic tactics
Lang Xian (狼筅), two pikemen armed with long spears and one Tang Pa (鎲鈀).
Lang Xian (狼筅), two pikemen armed with long spears and one Tang Pa (鎲鈀).
When facing the enemy, both swordsmen crouched at the front rank to protect all those behind them with their shields. Once the battle was joined, the swordsman with rattan shield would throw his javelin and made a quick dash to charge at the enemy, while the swordsman with Ai Pai (挨牌) stood his ground. Lang Xian were projected over the head of the swordsman to provide cover, while pikemen guarded the left and right flanks of the Lang Xian. If enemy troops managed to somehow get pass the Lang Xian and pikemen, they still had to face the shorter but no less deadly Tang Pa.
Other blog posts in my Mandarin Duck Formation series:
Mi Zhan — the original Yuan Yang Zhen
Qi Ji Guang's Yuan Yang Zhen — Part 1
Qi Ji Guang's Yuan Yang Zhen — Part 2
Qi Ji Guang's Yuan Yang Zhen — Part 3
Qi Ji Guang's Yuan Yang Zhen — Part 4
Qi Ji Guang's Yuan Yang Zhen — Part 5
Qi Ji Guang's Yuan Yang Zhen — Part 6
Xu Guang Qi's Yuan Yang Wu
great animation about the formation
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4vtJ5AKvJE
from a Chinese documentary about Qi Ji Guang
I have seen it. The animation is creative and well done, but I am not very impressed with the portrayal of the formation itself.
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