Sseol Se-ung

Sseol Se-ung (薛世雄, 555–617) was a general of the Sui dynasty. His courtesy name was Seyeong (世英), and he was a native of Fenyin County (汾陰縣) in Hedong Commandery. He distinguished himself in many battles, including those against Northern Qi, Tuyuhun, the Western Regions, Goguryeo, and Göktürks. In the Second Goguryeo–Sui War, he was badly defeated at the Salsu River and surrounded, but he fought bravely and escaped. When rebellions broke out across the empire at the end of the Sui dynasty, he tried to suppress them, but was crushed by Dou Jiande and died of humiliation.

Life

Early Life and Non-Han Peoples

From a young age he enjoyed war games and commanding troops, and his formations were orderly. He took part in the campaign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou to pacify Northern Qi, and for his merit was appointed Commander of the Capital (帥都督) at the age of 17. Even after the founding of the Sui dynasty, he achieved several military successes and rose to Yitong Sansi (儀同三司) and Right Attendant Cavalry General (右親衛車騎將軍). When Emperor Yang ascended the throne, he was transferred to Right Gate Guard Commander (右監門郞將). He also took part in the campaign against Tuyuhun (Tuguhun) and was granted the rank of Grand Master of General Deliberation (通議大夫).

In 608 (Daye 4), he served as Commander of the Jade Gate Route (玉門道行軍大將) and agreed with of the to jointly attack (伊吾, present-day , ) in the . However, Qimin Khagan did not arrive on the agreed . Nevertheless, he crossed the alone, and because the Yiwu people, believing the Sui army could not come, had let their guard down, he was able to obtain their . He built a new Yiwu city east of the old Yiwu city from the and left Silver Green Grand Master Wang Wei (銀靑光祿大夫 王威) there before returning. The was pleased, promoted him to Zhengyi Daifu (正議大夫), and bestowed rewards upon him.