Heba Sheng

Heba Sheng (died 544), courtesy name Pohu, was a Tiele military general of the Northern Wei and Western Wei during the Northern and Southern dynasties period. Along with his family, he fought against the rebels of the Six Garrisons before joining the commander, Erzhu Rong, distinguishing himself through his military deeds. After the fall of the Erzhu clan, he was given command over Jing province by Emperor Xiaowu to act as a deterrent against the paramount general, Gao Huan, but when his brother, Heba Yue was suddenly assassinated by Gao in 534, he hesitated to support the emperor and was ultimately driven out to the Liang dynasty. After a three-year stay in the Liang, Heba returned north to join Yuwen Tai and the Western Wei, fighting in several battles against Gao Huan and the Eastern Wei. In 543, at the Battle of Mount Mang, he came close to killing Gao in battle before his horse was shot down by an enemy general. In reprisal, Gao had Heba's sons under him killed, causing Heba to grow ill in anger and die soon after.