Wubei Zhi (Vol. 47)

...take turns. For instance, Guard A takes the first watch, Guard B the second, and so forth. The watchman on patrol original: 巡更 (xun geng); the act of patrolling during one of the five two-hour night watches. must hold a signaling flag in hand and focus their observation specifically on the five battlements original: 垛口 (duo kou); the gaps or crenels in the wall used for observation and firing. under their charge.

They must watch for any spies or infiltrators original: 奸細 (jian xi) lurking below the wall. As soon as an enemy is spotted, the watchman must immediately wake the other members of their squad. They are to seize lime jars original: 灰瓶 (hui ping); ceramic jars filled with caustic lime powder used to blind attackers climbing the walls., stones, and other weapons to strike the enemy. This practice ensures that the area within a few paces is easily monitored.

Five battlements constitute one Post (or "Factory"). From the squad, one individual who is physically strong and courageous shall be selected to serve as the Battlement Leader original: 垛長 (duo zhang).

Assigning Designated Defense Zones

Regarding the general layout of the four walls: at each of the four main gates, four officers are stationed. At the four corners of the city, four additional high-ranking officers are assigned to lead original: 統領 (tong ling).

From one watchtower original: 敵臺 (di tai); defensive platforms that project outward from the wall to allow for flanking fire. to the next, a headman is appointed to oversee the section. Soldiers of varying strength and experience—the strong and the weak—should be mixed together and assigned in specific numbers to these posts. By clearly demarcating these designated zones of responsibility original: 分信地 (fen xindi), accountability original: 責成 (ze cheng) is established for all matters.

Guarding the Watchtowers