Tian Ying was a native of Qinghe. In his youth, he lived in poverty and remained unknown. He studied at the In…
Tian Ying was a native of Qinghe. In his youth, he lived in poverty and remained unknown. He studied at the Inkbound Order before serving under Daoji, who held him in high esteem.
When Emperor Shizong launched a campaign against the Liao Dynasty, the Liao ruler sent his uncle as an envoy to the Southern Tang. Daoji said to Tian Ying, "This opportunity must not be missed—how foolish to let it slip!" Tian Ying replied, "The Liao envoy can be assassinated. Although the Southern Tang has the Aureate Guards, they lack the power to command troops. By intimidating them in this way, what can they do to us?" Daoji praised him, saying, "This is not about espionage but state affairs. You understand my intentions."
Later, the Southern Tang hosted a night banquet for the Liao envoy at Qingfeng Post . When the envoy withdrew to relieve himself after drinking heavily, he did not return for a long time—and was found decapitated. The Southern Tang ruler ordered the Aureate Pavilion to arrest Tian Ying, but he evaded capture. From then on, diplomatic relations between Liao and Southern Tang were severed, and Tian Ying was never seen again.