Strategic Studies: Warring States

Page 8

Strategic Studies: Warring States, Page 8

[The oxen] rushed in a fury toward the Yan army; everything they touched was killed or wounded. The Yan army was seized by a great panic. Inside the city, the people beat their drums and raised a deafening roar, following the attack. The Yan army was defeated and fled in chaos. The people of Qi killed Qi Jie The Yan general who had replaced the capable Yue Yi and pursued the fleeing remnants of the army all the way to the banks of the Yellow River. The seventy-odd cities that had been lost were all restored to the state of Qi.

The state of Qin besieged Eyu A strategic town in the state of Zhao, located in modern-day Shanxi. The King of Zhao summoned his ministers to ask their advice on the matter. Lian Po A famous veteran general of Zhao and Yue Cheng both said: "The road is distant, treacherous, and narrow. It is like two rats fighting inside a hole—the more courageous general will be the one to triumph." The King then ordered Zhao She to lead the troops to its rescue.

When the army was only thirty li A traditional unit of distance; thirty li is approximately 15 kilometers from the capital, Handan, Zhao She ordered them to halt. He issued a command throughout the army, stating: "Anyone who attempts to offer advice on military movements shall be put to death."

The Qin forces were stationed west of Wu'an; they beat their drums and prepared their weapons with such a clamor that the roof tiles of the buildings in Wu'an all vibrated from the sound. There was one who spoke up, urging an immediate rescue of Wu'an; Zhao She ordered his immediate execution. He remained behind fortified walls for twenty-eight days without advancing; instead, he continued to increase the height of the ramparts. When a Qin spy managed to infiltrate the Zhao army, Zhao She treated him to a fine meal and then sent him on his way. The spy returned and reported to the Qin general...