Chapter Sixty-Two: This Is Not the Right Way to Interrogate

About half an hour later, Zhang Shigui entered Chen Ying’s command tent and reported, “General Chen, the rebel camp is in utter chaos. The central command is the most disordered; people are shouting and cursing, trying to restore order, but it's no use. The main banners of Pang Qidi have already been lowered, and no one’s standards are visible. Even the sentries on the stockade walls have vanished. Our scouts have approached right up to the gates, and still, no one pays any heed…”

Chen Ying tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and fell into deep thought.

Wei Wenzhong grew anxious. He opened his mouth, but was afraid of disrupting Chen Ying’s train of thought.

Pacing back and forth in the tent, hands clasped behind his back, Chen Ying carefully pondered Pang Qidi’s true intentions. The hook-sickle spear formation he had arranged was merely a reinforced version of the classic long spear phalanx—far from invincible. In fact, though it appeared formidable, it had its flaws. The formation’s density meant it was anything but nimble, and Chen Ying’s troops were sorely lacking in heavy armor. If Pang Qidi realized this, he’d easily find a way to counter the formation.

The method was simple: gather the rebel archers and crossbowmen, focus even a modest number—two or three thousand would suffice—and unleash several volleys. That alone could shatter Chen Ying’s phalanx.

Although Pang Qidi’s Qiang rebels weren’t as well-equipped with powerful bows and crossbows as the Han armies, the Qiang were skilled horse archers. Even with the most basic cavalry bows—or crude hunting bows—they could drive Chen Ying’s men into disarray.

With overwhelming numbers on his side, Pang Qidi, from a human perspective, would never abandon such a favorable position. The elite Tang forces were tied down by Xue Renguo in the northwest Qinzhou region; the Bashu region was left defenseless. If Pang Qidi crushed Chen Ying’s force of merely fifteen hundred, the defenders of Shizhou would lose all morale and surrender.

Occupying the fortress of Shizhou and blocking Sword Gate Pass, Pang Qidi could keep the Tang forces out of Shu for months—half a year, perhaps. That would be plenty of time for him to proclaim himself king over Bashu.

Yet, he was now apparently intent on abandoning his men and fleeing. Chen Ying could make no sense of it.

Just then, the impatient, hot-blooded Duan Zhigan burst out, “We can’t let this chance slip away, General Chen! If Pang Qidi escapes, our victory will be far less glorious!”

Chen Ying’s eyes snapped open, sharp as a hawk’s, sweeping over Wei Wenzhong, Duan Zhigan, and Zhang Shigui.

“Deputy Officer Wei.”

“Here!”

“Relay my orders: Everyone return to camp, keep your men in line—no one is to advance or engage. Any who disobey will be executed!”

Chen Ying continued, “Report to me every quarter hour, without fail!”

“Yes, sir!”

The assembled officers were stunned, staring at Chen Ying in confusion. “General Chen, why?”

“No more questions. Remember, there are five dangers for a commander!” Chen Ying’s voice rang out. “‘The Art of War—Nine Variations’ says: ‘There are five dangerous traits for a general. Recklessness leads to destruction; cowardice leads to capture; quick temper can be provoked; concern for honor can be shamed; excessive compassion can be troubled. These are the faults of a leader and the perils of war. The annihilation of armies and the deaths of generals are due to these five dangers—it is essential to be vigilant.’”

Zhang Huaiwei asked, “What does all that bookish talk mean?”

Chen Ying explained, “Courage without strategy leads to falling for the enemy’s traps and being killed. Cowardice and fear of death result in capture. A hot temper makes one easy to provoke and manipulate. Uprightness and a spotless reputation can be exploited by the enemy, leading to humiliation. Mercy and love for the troops can allow the enemy to harass you endlessly. These are the five faults commanders often fall into—the disasters of warfare. The destruction of armies and the death of generals are always rooted in these dangers. Any leader must be alert to them. In short, a general with these fatal flaws risks his own life and the ruin of his army…”

“We all understand the principle, but what does this have to do with Pang Qidi?” Duan Zhigan grumbled, still wanting to argue. Chen Ying shot him a glare, silencing him instantly.

Pointing at Duan Zhigan, Chen Ying said, “Remember this—there’s no such thing as a free meal from heaven!”

“What?”

“When faced with a temptation that seems too good to be true, always consider whether it might be a trap!” Chen Ying waved his hand, dismissing them. “That’s all. You may all withdraw.”

Duan Zhigan was desperate for a great achievement. He forced himself to restrain his younger brother Duan Zhixuan. Unwilling to give up, he pleaded, “General Chen…”

Chen Ying turned to the group and asked, “Do you trust me?”

“Uh…” Wei Wenzhong and the others were at a loss.

Without waiting for a response, Chen Ying continued, “Deputy Officer Wei, Captain Duan, Captain Zhang—I hope that when we encounter such situations in the future, you will respond with unwavering trust in your commanding general, not doubt.”

The officers departed. Chen Ying collapsed onto his camp bed, exhausted from the day’s events. He had barely closed his eyes when Tang Liuniang burst in like a whirlwind. The guards drew their swords, but she ignored them.

“You suspect me of colluding with the enemy?” Her gaze was fierce, her face contorted with anger.

“As the commanding general, I have the right to doubt anyone!” Chen Ying replied coldly. “You need not get so worked up. I am not alone here. Any error in judgment could cost the lives of over fifteen hundred men. The saying goes, ‘Where you sit determines how you think.’ When you become a general, you’ll understand my dilemma.”

Tang Liuniang’s lips trembled, her eyes reddening. “My whole family was killed by Pang Qidi’s men. How could I possibly betray you?”

“You may not betray us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be used by the enemy.”

“Used by the enemy?” Tang Liuniang exclaimed. “How is that possible?”

“Pang Qidi is your mortal enemy. He commands tens of thousands. Would you abandon your chance for vengeance?”

“Never!”

“Then let me ask you: Would Pang Qidi, with his tens of thousands, lands and power, simply abandon everything and become a fugitive?”

“I…”

Tang Liuniang’s intrusion had driven away Chen Ying’s drowsiness. He rose and said, “Come with me.”

Wiping her tears, Tang Liuniang followed Chen Ying out into the camp.

…

Crack—crack—two soldiers lashed the bound Luo Song with whips. Though he was already bloodied and battered, Luo Song clenched his teeth and made no sound.

“Any progress?” Chen Ying pushed open the door of the makeshift dungeon and asked the two interrogators.

In fact, the so-called dungeon was merely a hastily dug cellar, scarcely forty square yards in size.

Liang Zan, who had been dozing, instantly snapped to attention and saluted. “General, this scoundrel is tough as nails—he refuses to talk!”

“This is how you interrogate him?”