The origin of Qi Jiguang's beheading story

The story of Qi Jiguang's beheading has been widely circulated in Fujian and Zhejiang for hundreds of years. In Putian, Fujian, this story has also been adapted into Fujian Opera and Qi Jiguang's Chopping the Son, which is widely circulated among the people in the form of art. In addition, there are similar legends in Ningde, Lianjiang, Minhou and Yiwu, Zhejiang. Whether the story of Qi Jiguang's beheading is a historical fact or not, and whether it happened in that place, has been controversial and inconclusive.

Some people think that the story of Qi Jiguang's beheading took place in Taizhou, Zhejiang.

Qi Jiguang led the Qigujun to fight against the enemy in Zhejiang, and several big battles were all won by Lien Chan and the enemy was defeated. On one occasion, Qi Jiguang led an army to encircle the enemy in Taizhou. The enemy was quickly defeated after fighting with Qi Jiajun. A remnant enemy wants to retreat to Xianju in Dashi, north of the city. In order to completely destroy this enemy, Qi Jiguang immediately ordered his son Yin Qi to be the pioneer, and led an army to cut corners and ambush in the Changfeng Ridge area of Baishuiyang. Before he left, Qi Jiguang repeatedly told Yin Qi, after fighting with the enemy, don't rush for success, pretend to fail, lure the enemy to Xianju City and then fight back, so as to force the enemy in the city to come to help and annihilate in one fell swoop. Those who violate military orders should be dealt with according to military law.

After Yin Qi led his troops to Changfeng Ridge, he ambushed them in the woods on both sides of the mountain road. At this time, the enemy's team also came along this mountain road, in front of which were some looted women and cattle and sheep. Qi teenager was very angry when he saw it. He couldn't hold back, and immediately ordered the army to launch a general attack. At this time, he danced with swords and guns and shouted. Yin Qi only cared about bravely killing the enemy, but even forgot what his father told him before he left. He was only allowed to fail, not to win. In an instant, the enemy was wiped out on the mountain road. Later, Yin Qi led the army back to the camp, and the soldiers all said that Yin Qi fought bravely and killed the enemy. But Qi Jiguang flew into a rage when he heard his son leave. He said that he violated military discipline and disobeyed the command, so he had to be dealt with by military law, so he ordered the school to tie him out of Yuanmen. Although the generals begged, they said that although Yin Qi violated military orders, he defeated the enemy and was also a meritorious minister, so he could make amends. However, Qi Jiguang believes that Qi Yinming made a mistake and delayed the military plane, so punishment is not allowed! If we don't kill them, the military discipline will be as strict as ever. Finally, I killed my son.

Later, the local people missed Qi Gongzi and built a mourning hall for him in Changfeng Ridge. It is said that the remains of this hall still exist today.