Wubei Zhi (Vol. 47)

Regulations for Internal Security and Communication Control

Whenever the enemy reaches the outskirts of the city, it is strictly forbidden for anyone within the city to recklessly raise tall objects—such as poles, signposts, or similar items—or to play musical instruments. This measure is taken for fear that internal traitors might use these as signals to coordinate with the enemy outside.

Whenever a messenger arrives at the city gate, they must be escorted directly to the Commanding General Commanding General (zhujiang): the supreme military leader in charge of the city's defense. Subordinate officers subordinate officers (bijiao): mid-to-low ranking military officers acting as assistants to the general, commoners, and civil officials are strictly forbidden from meeting with them privately. If anyone finds an anonymous missive anonymous missive (feishu): literally "flying letters," these were leaflets or messages thrown over the walls by the enemy or left by spies to incite rebellion or spread rumors within the city, they must not read it. Instead, they must immediately take it to their respective military camp and, in the presence of witnesses, seal the document and deliver it to the Commanding General.

All individuals skilled in astrology and divination astrology and divination (xingqi shushu): the study of celestial omens, atmospheric signs, and mathematical occult arts used to predict the outcome of events must be brought under the direct supervision of the government authorities. They are forbidden from speaking privately with others or discussing strange or supernatural omens, as such talk might delude the masses original: "惑衆" (huozhong). In a siege, rumors of bad omens were considered as dangerous as a physical breach of the walls. and incite panic.

Once a command has been issued, no officer—from the Commanding General and the Deputy General on down—is permitted to give conflicting orders conflicting orders (zhuanyi zhihui): unauthorized or contradictory instructions that deviate from the established military plan. All actions must strictly adhere to the established regulations.