Emperor Li Jing, seeking to consolidate power and expand the Southern Tang dynasty's territory, decided on a military campaign against the Kingdom of Chu. On November 16, 951, he dispatched a robust expeditionary force of 10,000 men under the command of the capable general Bian Hao. The campaign was marked by coordinated military strategies designed to weaken the Chu defenses swiftly and decisively. As Southern Tang forces advanced, they faced pockets of resistance but ultimately overwhelmed the Chu, showcasing the military prowess of Bian Hao. The rapid success of the expedition was not just a testament to effective planning but also the superior tactics employed by the Southern Tang forces.Following the conquest, the ruling family of Chu was seized and relocated to the Southern Tang's capital in Nanjing. This strategic move not only disrupted any potential lineage continuation from the Chu rulers but also served to integrate the territory into the Southern Tang's administrative framework. The annexation of Chu was significant in establishing the dominance of the Southern Tang in the region, enhancing its political stability and increasing its population and resources. The cultural exchanges that followed the conquest paved the way for future integrations of local customs into the Southern Tang’s broader cultural identity, influencing art and governance in the region for years to come.