Mao Muzhi

Mao Muzhi's father was Mao Bao, a distinguished general during Su Jun's rebellion who died during Yu Liang's attempted invasion of Later Zhao in 339. His given name underwent many changes in his later years. First, he changed his given name to his style name Xianzu in 361 due to taboo as Emperor Ai of Jin's wife, Wang Muzhi became empress. Later, he changed to his childhood name Husheng due to taboo again as Jin's Grand Marshal Huan Wen's mother's given name was 'Xian'.[1]

Mao Muzhi first served in the staff of Yu Yi, who at the time was busy preparing holding invasions against Cheng Han and Later Zhao. His brother Yu Bing died in 344, and with no one else in the Yu clan to handle home affairs, Yu Yi chose his son Yu Fangzhi (庾方之) to guard Xiangyang. However, Fangzhi was too young, so Yu Yi entrusted Mao Muzhi, who was serving as his Army Advisor at the time, to be Fangzhi's marshal.[2] Yu Yi died the following year in 345 from an ulcer, which led to many among his staff led by Gan Zan (干瓚) to rebel. Mao Muzhi, Yuan Zhen, Jiang Bin (江虨) and Zhu Dao (朱燾) allied together and put down Gan Zan's rebellion.[3]

After the death of Yu Yi, Mao Muzhi went to serve Huan Wen, who in 345 became Inspector of Jingzhou. In 352, Huan Wen removed his rival Yin Hao from office and took control of the northern expeditions. Mao Muzhi participated in Huan's second northern expedition in 356, serving as Administrator of Yingchuan at that point. After Huan Wen captured Luoyang, Mao Muzhi was left to guard Luoyang while they wait for Xie Shang's arrival.[4]

Mao Muzhi would only reappear in the records in 369, now named Mao Husheng. Huan Wen was carrying out his campaign to destroy Former Yan once and for all. Husheng was serving as Huan Wen's Champion General and was tasked in building a canal at Juye to allow water to flow from the Wen River to the Qing River. Husheng seems to not have taken in any fighting during the campaign, and after Huan Wen was badly defeated at Fangtou, he was appointed Commander of military affairs in four commandaries, and as Administrator of Eastern Yan. He was further made Administrator of Huainan to defend Liyang when Yuan Zhen's Rebellion broke out shortly after the defeat at Fangtou.[5]

After Huan Wen deposed Emperor Fei in 371, Mao Husheng was made Commander of military affairs in Jingzhou north of the Mian River and in Yizheng in Yangzhou.[6] His brother, Mao Anzhi (毛安之) also played an important role in Huan Wen's government, tasked in defending the palace with his guards.

Huan Wen died in 373, leaving behind a dynasty monopolised by his family but also one that was facing a serious threat from Former Qin. Mao Husheng was made the new Inspector of Yizhou in 373 after the province fell to Former Qin forces. Mao Husheng and his son Mao Qiu (毛球) campaigned against Qin but did not have enough supply and had to abandon the campaign after reaching Baxi (巴西; around present-day Langzhong).[7]

In 378, the Jin general Peng Chao attacked Pengcheng. Mao Husheng camped at Gushu (姑孰; present-day Dangtu County, Anhui) to oppose a potential attack although the situation was relieved the following year as Xie Xuan drove out Peng Chao. Mao Husheng's last military activity was in 379, attacking Bazhong to save Weixing (魏興; around present-day Ankang, Shaanxi). However, he had to retreat to Badong as forces led by his ally Zhao Fu (趙福) were badly defeated by Qin. There was an attempt by the Shu native Li Wu (李烏) to help Husheng by attacking Chengdu but he too was defeated.[8]

Mao Husheng passed away not long after this from illness. For his long service, Husheng was posthumously named 'Lie' and appointed as General of the Central Army.[9]

• Fang, Xuanling (ed.) (648). Book of Jin (Jin Shu).
• Sima, Guang (1084). Zizhi Tongjian.