Treatise on Armament Technology: Volume 20

Strategic Studies

Battle Illustrations: Page 8

This is not primarily a matter of overt force, but rather a result of the people becoming overly accustomed to the dire circumstances. Originally, he used the "divine" Referring to Tian Dan's earlier ruse of pretending a "spirit" was advising his tactics to establish his strategies; using these plans, he secured the loyalty of his followers.

Tian Dan said: "I only fear that the Yan people will cut off the noses original: 劓 (yì), an ancient form of punishment and mutilation of the Qi soldiers they capture and place them in the front ranks of their army; if they do this, Jimo will surely be defeated." When the Yan people heard of this, they did exactly as he suggested. The people within the city saw the mutilated captives and were filled with rage; they held the city even more firmly, fearing only that they might be captured themselves.

Tian Dan spoke again: "I fear the Yan people will dig up our ancestral graves original: 冢墓 (zhǒngmù) outside the city walls; that would truly be a chilling prospect." The Yan army proceeded to dig up the graves and burn the remains. From the city walls, the people of Qi watched this and wept bitterly. Their desire to go out and fight the enemy increased tenfold out of sheer fury.

Tian Dan knew his troops were finally ready for use. He personally took up the construction boards and shovels original: 版鍤 (bǎn chā), tools used for repairing city walls to share the labor with the soldiers. He even placed his own wives and concubines within the military ranks to serve. He distributed all of his personal food and drink to feast the soldiers. Then, he ordered the armored elite soldiers to remain hidden and sent the elderly, the weak, and the women to man the walls. He sent messengers to the Yan camp to arrange a date for surrender.

The Yan army, believing the victory was won, grew increasingly lax and careless. Tian Dan then gathered over a thousand oxen from within the city. He dressed them in crimson silk robes original: 絳繒衣 (jiàng zēng yī) painted with five-colored dragon patterns 五采龍文 (wǔcǎi lóngwén): a fearsome design intended to look supernatural or demonic in the dark. He bound sharp blades to their horns and tied reeds soaked in grease to their tails. He dug dozens of tunnels through the city walls and, under the cover of night, released the oxen, setting the ends of the reeds on fire. Five thousand elite warriors followed closely behind them. As the oxen felt the heat of the fire...