Treatise on Military Preparedness

...[their] spirit was broken; they could then be defeated. In the eleventh month, Xie Xuan sent Liu Laozhi, the Chancellor of Guangling, leading five thousand elite troops to hurry toward Luojian.

Liang Cheng A veteran general of the Former Qin blocked the stream and formed a battle array to await them. Liu Laozhi charged straight forward, crossed the water, and attacked Liang Cheng, decisively defeating him and beheading him. He then divided his troops to cut off the enemy's retreat at the ferry crossings.

The Qin infantry and cavalry collapsed; fifteen thousand people died in the Huai River. Thereupon, Xie Shi and others advanced by land and water in succession. Fu Jian and Fu Rong climbed the walls of Shouyang City to gaze out. They saw the Jin army's formations were stern and orderly.

They also looked toward Bagong Mountain and mistook all the grass and trees for Jin soldiers. This is the origin of the famous idiom "grass and trees look like soldiers" (草木皆兵), describing a state of extreme paranoia or panic.

Fu Jian turned to Fu Rong and said, "This is indeed a formidable enemy! Why was it said they were weak?" He became visibly disheartened and for the first time showed a look of fear.

The Qin troops were arrayed close to the Fei River. Xie Xuan sent a messenger to tell Fu Rong:

"You have led your army deep into our territory and set up your array close to the water. This is a plan for a long-standing stalemate, not for those who desire a swift battle. If you move your array and retreat slightly, allowing my troops to cross so we may decide the victory or defeat, would that not [be better]?"