Volume 22 of the Treatise on Armament Technology Wubei Zhi

Studies of Military Strategy: The Qi Era

Some suggested summoning more troops and then advancing slowly. However, Yuan Cheng The Prince of Rencheng, acting as the Emperor's strategist. said: "Since Mu Tai is plotting a rebellion, he should have secured a fortified city. Instead, he is attempting to welcome the Prince of Yangping to his cause, which suggests his actual strength is weak. Since they have not yet openly resisted us, mobilizing a massive army is not appropriate. I should simply go there quickly to take command. By doing so, the people’s hearts will naturally settle."

Consequently, he traveled at double the usual speed. He first dispatched Li Huan, an Investigating Censor, to ride alone into the region of Dai The northern territory near the old capital, Pingcheng. to explain the situation to Tai’s partisans. He laid out the consequences of their actions, showing them the difference between disaster and fortune; as a result, none of them were willing to be used by Tai anymore.

Mu Tai attacked Li Huan but could not overcome him, and so he fled. He was pursued and captured. When Yuan Cheng arrived, he thoroughly prosecuted the members of the conspiracy. He arrested Lu Rui Transcribed here as Lu Kan and placed him in prison, after which the local populace became calm and peaceful.

Meanwhile, Xue Zhendu, the Northern Wei Regional Governor of Jingzhou, attacked Nanyang A strategic city held by the Southern Qi dynasty.. Fang Boyu, the Grand Administrator of Nanyang, struck back and defeated him.

The Emperor of Wei Emperor Xiaowen. was furious. Because Nanyang was only a small commandery, he was determined to destroy it. He led his troops in a surprise attack and successfully captured Wancheng The administrative center of Nanyang..

Fang Boyu retreated to the inner city to maintain a defense. To the southeast of Wancheng, there was a bridge. As the Emperor of Wei was crossing it, Boyu dispatched several brave warriors. They were dressed in mottled clothing and wore tiger-head hats tiger-head hats: Ferocious-looking headgear made to resemble a tiger's face, used both for psychological intimidation and as a badge of elite, "brave" units.. They hid beneath the drainage culverts of the bridge and suddenly leaped out to strike.