Wubei Zhi (Vol. 17)

The Defense of Chenzhou

"[If Huang Chao] does not die in Chang'an the Tang capital, he will surely flee eastward. Chenzhou sits at the crossroads of his path; we must prepare for this."

Consequently, Zhao Chou the governor of Chenzhou repaired the city walls and moats, mended armor and weapons, and stockpiled fodder and grain. Within a radius of sixty li approximately 20 miles, all commoners who possessed supplies or grain were moved into the city. He recruited a large number of brave warriors and placed them under the command of his sons and nephews.

As predicted, Meng Kai a prominent general under Huang Chao moved his troops to attack Chenzhou. Zhao Chou first feigned weakness to lure them in. Waiting until the enemy was off-guard, he launched a surprise attack, killing or capturing nearly all of them. He captured Meng Kai and executed him.

When Huang Chao heard of this, he was enraged. He joined forces with the warlord Qin Zongquan to besiege the city. They dug five layers of moats and launched attacks from a hundred different directions. The people of Chenzhou were thrown into a great panic.

Zhao Chou exhorted them, saying:
"The Zhongwu Army the 'Loyal and Martial' Army, a prestigious regional command has long been known for its righteousness and courage; Shanzhou is renowned for its elite troops. Furthermore, my family has long been sustained by the resources of Chenzhou. I swear to live or die with this province. Is it not better to die as a martyr for the state original: 殉國 (xùnguó); to give one's life for one's country than to live as a servant to rebels? Anyone who suggests otherwise shall be executed!"

Several times, he led his elite troops out of the gates to strike the rebels, defeating them. Huang Chao became even more furious and established a camp to the north of the city, preparing for a long-term siege. At that time...