An Investigation of Konghe Army (控鹤军) during the Five Dynasties

Konghe army(控鹤军)was the most special one in the complex military system of Five Dynasties.Although the soldiers of Konghe army had never participated in large-scale fights,they are the imperial guard troops in deed,who are responsible for defending the capital and palace.Because of its special function,Konghe army held an important historical position and existed all the time even without changing designation.Konghe army belonged to system of housecarl originally,however,as Dianqian army(殿前军)emerged in the Later Zhou Dynasty,the influences of Dianqian army surpassed that of housecarl army.Under this circumstance,Konghe army changed from housecarl into Dianqian army again,which is also an unique phenomenon.