Background Informations:
On July 19, 2008, China National Philatelic Corporation issued a first-day cover affixed with a set of two commemorative stamps, entitled "Famous Ancient Chinese General Qi Jiguang" totaling 2.40 yuan in face value. The two stamps are entitled "Training" and "Triumph", respectively.
Qi Jiguang(1528-1588), a native of Dengzhou(present-day Penglai), Shandong, was a brilliant militarist of the Ming Dynasty, who was particularty revered for his victory in expelling Japanese aggressors. He trained and managed his troops with strict disciplines and distinct award and penalty regulations. He conceived the "Mandarin Duck Array", which helped him win many battles against the aggressors. The troops under his leadership were praised as "Qi's Army". Based on his military experiences, Qi composed a book, "Discipline and Achievement", to expound theories and methods in selecting, arraying, training and commanding the troops, leaving valuable spiritual wealth for the later generations.
