Murong Long (慕容隆; died 398), courtesy name Xuanling (宣齡), was an imperial prince and general of the Later Yan dynasty during the Sixteen Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was known for his military prowess and significant contributions to the establishment and early expansion of the Later Yan state.
Early Life and Family
Murong Long was the third son of Murong Chui (慕容垂), the founding emperor of Later Yan (Emperor Wucheng). His mother was Consort Duan, a sister of Murong Chui's empress, Duan Yuanfei. He was a younger brother of Murong Bao (慕容寶), who would later succeed Murong Chui as emperor. From an early age, Murong Long demonstrated military talent and was highly regarded by his father.
Career under Murong Chui
During Murong Chui's reign, Murong Long played a crucial role in many of Later Yan's military campaigns. He was often entrusted with important commands and distinguished himself in battle. Key aspects of his career include:
- Foundation of Later Yan: Murong Long was instrumental in the campaigns that led to Murong Chui breaking away from the Former Qin dynasty and establishing Later Yan in 384.
- Conquests: He participated in the conquest of former Former Qin territories, helping to expand Later Yan's domain. He was particularly active in campaigns against rival states and local warlords.
- Battle of Canhepo (395): Murong Long commanded a significant force during the decisive Battle of Canhepo against the Northern Wei dynasty. However, the Later Yan army suffered a devastating defeat, which marked a turning point in Later Yan's fortunes and contributed to its eventual decline. Murong Long managed to escape the rout, but many of his troops were captured or killed.
- Prince of Gaoyang: For his contributions, Murong Long was enfeoffed as the Prince of Gaoyang (高陽王).
Under Murong Bao
After Murong Chui's death in 396, his elder brother, Murong Bao, ascended the throne. Murong Long continued to serve as a high-ranking general and held significant influence within the government. He was often consulted on military and state affairs. However, the relationship between Murong Bao and his brothers, particularly after the Canhepo disaster, became increasingly strained. The Northern Wei continued to press its advantage, leading to further losses for Later Yan.
Death
Murong Long's life ended tragically in 398. His nephew, Murong Sheng (慕容盛), who was Murong Bao's son and the crown prince, harbored suspicions and resentment towards his uncles, including Murong Long and Murong Xiang (慕容詳). During a period of political instability and internal conflict within the Later Yan court, Murong Sheng, fearing a potential coup or challenge to his authority, orchestrated the deaths of several of his uncles. Murong Long was consequently killed on Murong Sheng's orders. His death further destabilized the already weakening Later Yan state and eliminated one of its most capable generals.
Legacy
Murong Long is remembered as one of the more competent and loyal princes of the Later Yan dynasty. His military skills were vital to the state's early successes. His demise, along with those of other skilled members of the Murong clan due to internal strife, is often cited by historians as a significant factor in the rapid decline and eventual collapse of Later Yan.
References:
- Book of Jin (晉書)
- Zizhi Tongjian (資治通鑑)