Military Preparedness Manual, Volume 39

Strategic Studies

Tang Dynasty, Part 3

The Emperor Referring to Emperor Suzong (r. 756–762), who led the Tang efforts to suppress the An Lushan Rebellion. asked Li Mi Li Mi (722–789) was a renowned scholar and strategist who served as a trusted advisor to Emperor Suzong despite never taking a formal government post at the time.: "Now that the enemy is so strong, when will these troubles finally be settled?"

Li Mi replied: "In my observation, the rebels The barbarians have always been this way. take the women, children, gold, and silk they have captured and transport them all back to Fanyang Fanyang, near modern-day Beijing, was the headquarters and power base of the rebel leader An Lushan.. Does this look like the behavior of those with the ambition to heroically dominate the whole world? At present, it is primarily the barbarian generals who are truly serving them. Among the people of the Central Lands Referring to the Han Chinese population of the heartland., only a few individuals like Gao Shang A strategist who advised the rebel leaders. follow them willingly; all the rest have been coerced into following. By my estimation, in no more than two years, the realm will be free of these bandits."

The Emperor asked: "For what reason do you say this?"

Li Mi replied: "The rebels' fierce generals consist of no more than Shi Siming A key general under An Lushan who later declared himself emperor of the rival Yan state., An Shouzhong, Tian..."