Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 29: Strategic Analysis (Tang III)

...is like the strength of an arm The text likely completes a metaphor from the previous page comparing military positioning to the reach and flexibility of a human arm. The Administrative Assistant Pan'guan: a high-ranking administrative officer in a military governorship Wei Sun asked, "The Eastern Capital [Luoyang] is the Emperor’s residence; how can we justify not defending it?"

Li Guangbi Only one with the talent of a Great General could accomplish such a task replied, "To defend it, we would also have to station troops at Sishui, Yiling, and Longmen These were critical mountain passes and strategic points surrounding Luoyang. You are the Administrative Assistant for Military Affairs; can you successfully hold these positions?"

He then sent an official notice to the Governor of Henan, instructing him to lead the officials and commoners away to avoid the rebels, while he personally led the soldiers toward Heyang. At that time, Shi Siming’s scouting cavalry had already reached Stone Bridge. Li Guangbi advanced directly toward the bridge; his units maintained such a solid defensive wall that the rebels did not dare to press their advantage.

They reached Heyang by nightfall. He had twenty thousand soldiers, but their grain supplies were only enough to last for ten days. Li Guangbi personally inspected the defensive preparations and organized the ranks of the soldiers; every detail was strictly and clearly arranged.

When Shi Siming entered Luoyang, he found the city empty and gained nothing of value. Consequently, he led his army to attack Heyang. He sent his cavalry general, Liu Longxian, to challenge the Tang forces, shouting insults and mockery at Li Guangbi.

Li Guangbi looked toward his assembled generals and asked, "Who can go and take him?"

Pugu Huaien A prominent general of Tiele descent serving the Tang requested to go, but Li Guangbi said, "This is not a task for a Great General." The subordinate general Bai Xiaode then stepped forward and asked to take the challenge...