14. The Observation Signal Flag

In all routine drills and deployments of troops, before the Commander-in-Chief Zhujiang The high-ranking general or presiding officer of the military action. has arrived at the field, the signal poles, ropes, and other equipment must first be gathered and readied. Wait for the Commander-in-Chief to take his seat in the command tent original: 陞帳 shengzhang, literally "to ascend the tent.", then report for the raising of the flag. At that moment, fire the cannons and beat the drums to raise the flag. The flag officer must be in full armor and hold one white flag atop the observation pole, awaiting the orders of the Central Command.

Whenever the Xiaoluo A loud military trumpet or horn used to signal movement or alertness. is sounded, the soldiers stand and the flag is raised upright. Whenever the gongs are struck, the soldiers sit and the flag is retracted.

If the flag points forward, the officers and soldiers all march forward. If it points left, all move to the left. If it points right, all move to the right. If it points backward, all move toward the rear. Officers of the chariots, infantry, and cavalry, along with flag leaders and chariot captains, must all watch this flag to determine where to go.

If marching a long distance, wait until · the various · horn · signals · are finished ·. Report · and fire · the cannons ·, beat · the drums ·, and then · the observation · pole · is laid · down · for the march ·. Should an alarm · be reported · regarding an emergency ·, beat the drums · and once again · raise · the observation · pole ·. If the · enemy · comes · from · the left ·, then · wave the flag in a circular motion original: 磨 mo, literally "to grind," referring to an oscillating or circular waving motion to draw attention. · toward · the left ·. If the · enemy · comes · from · the right ·, then the · flag...