邓廷忠

Deng Tingzhong, born in 1861 and died in 1912, was a military figure during the late Qing Dynasty in China. He was born in Guangshan County, Hubei Province. His father was Deng Gongxian, and Deng Tingzhong was his fourth son. From the age of eight, Deng Tingzhong began private traditional education, studying the "Three Character Classic" and the "Thousand Character Text." At the same time, he practiced kung fu and staff techniques at home under his father's guidance. At thirteen, he entered the Martial Arts Hall, recited military classics, and trained in archery, knife fighting, and stone techniques. Records state that he was impatient and quick-tempered, loyal and righteous, strong-willed and resilient. Deng Gongxian placed particular importance on him.

In 1878 (the 4th year of Guangxu Emperor), Deng Tingzhong married Mrs. Shen and had three sons. His eldest son was named Yuansheng, who died early in childhood. His wife, Mrs. Shen, also passed away early. At the age of 23 (1883), he was successful in the military examination and subsequently, at 26 (1886, the 12th year of Guangxu), passed the imperial military examination to become a martial arts juren (recommended man). He then served as an imperial guard. In 1889 (the 15th year of Guangxu), he left the palace and was appointed as a guerrilla officer in the Zuo River South Ling (Ning), commanding green army troops. In 1895 (the 21st year of Guangxu), he was promoted to the rank of vice-general, subordinate only to the deputy general.

During 1897 (the 23rd year of Guangxu), facing harassment from French troops in northern Vietnam along our border, Deng Tingzhong led troops to raid Xuangang City and engaged in combat with the French. During the battle, he used an iron flagpole to kill a French captain and was severely wounded himself. In 1900 (the 26th year of Guangxu), Deng Tingzhong married Ms. Yang Zhende, a doctor from Hunan. That year, the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded China. Deng was ordered to defend the capital and was sent to teach military affairs at the Tianjin Military Academy. As the allied forces approached Beijing, he, along with the imperial guards, escorted Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi out of Beijing, heading to Taiyuan and then to Xi'an. Before the year's end, peace negotiations were reached between the Qing court and the foreign powers.

Due to outstanding performance in escorting the imperial family, Deng Tingzhong was promoted to serve as the Grand Commander of Nanning, Guangxi, overseeing military affairs. In 1901, he returned to Nanning from Xi'an to assume his post. In 1904, his daughter Deng Yingchao was born in Nanning; her childhood name was Yuaì, and her literary name was Wenshu. In the family, Deng Tingzhong had disagreements with the newly appointed military governor over Vietnam issues; he advocated for taking strong action against the invading French forces, but his superiors favored compromise. As a result, he was marginalized and isolated.

Later, in 1908, Deng Tingzhong was falsely accused of “betraying the emperor,” and the emperor decreed the dismissal of his official position and exile to Xinjiang for three years. During his time in Xinjiang, Deng still hoped to be reinstated after the war but was unsuccessful. In 1911 (the 3rd year of the Xuantong Emperor’s reign), after the outbreak of the Xinhai Revolution, he returned on foot to central China after his exile period, enduring great hardships along the way. He passed away in Shaanxi in 1912 at the age of 52. Upon hearing the news, his family members, including his brothers and nephew, traveled over mountains and waters during the Spring Festival to bury his body next to the Deng family ancestral grave in Wangshuilouzi, south of Guangshan County.