Xiong Tingbi

Xiong Tingbi was appointed as the military commissioner of Liaodong after the Ming defeat at the Battle of Sarhu. He was tasked with reorganizing defenses against the rising Later Jin dynasty under Nurhaci.

Xiong Tingbi proposed and began implementing a defensive strategy of building fortified garrisons along the Liao River to contain Nurhaci's advances. This approach aimed to avoid open battles and conserve Ming resources.

Xiong Tingbi clashed with the eunuch Wang Huazhen over military policy, with Wang advocating for aggressive offensives. The political infighting undermined Xiong's authority and led to his removal from command in 1622.

Xiong Tingbi was arrested on charges of corruption and military incompetence, largely due to political enemies at court. He was executed by the Ming government, a decision that demoralized the Liaodong defense and weakened resistance to the Manchus.