Treatise on Armament Technology Volume 23

Strategic Examinations

Liang Part 1

The Liang Dynasty One of the Southern Dynasties, 502–557 AD sent Feng Daogen to fortify Fuling A strategic location in modern-day Anhui province , and immediately upon his arrival . he began repairing the city walls and moats . and extending the scout outposts to a great distance . He acted as if the enemy were about to arrive . Many among the crowd laughed at him , but Feng Daogen said , "Caution literally "cowardice" in defense and bravery in battle—this is the true meaning of strategy ○ defense ○ bravery ○ battle ○ this ○ is ○ what ○ is meant ○." Before the city walls were even completed , the Northern Wei general Fazong and his forces arrived suddenly , and the people all turned pale with fear . Daogen ordered ○ that the ○ gates ○ be ○ opened ○ wide , and while dressed in relaxed, informal clothing , he climbed ○ the ○ city ○ wall .

He then sent elite troops out to engage the enemy , breaking their lines . The people of Wei The Northern Wei state saw that his manner was calm and leisurely, and seeing that the battle was going against them , they eventually withdrew . The Liang Emperor then appointed Daogen as the Governor of Yuzhou A high-ranking regional military and civil post .