Studies in Strategy

Volume 16

Among the rebels, [Zhang Xuanren] was often filled with distress and indignation. He summoned dozens of his close associates to plot a return to the state's allegiance original: 歸國 (guīguó); specifically referring to returning to the service of the Tang Imperial government, and the group followed him. He then marshaled the troops, beheaded [the rebel commander Zhang] Ru and his cohorts, and opened the gates to surrender.

[General Zhang] Chengxun immediately proclaimed the imperial decree, appointing him as Vice Censor-in-Chief original: 御史中丞 (yùshǐ zhōngchéng); a prestigious title granted here as a reward for defecting and delivering the city and bestowing very generous gifts upon him.

Xuanren spoke again, saying: "Now that the entire city has returned to the state, those in the distant regions are not yet aware. I ask to feign that the city has fallen to chaos, leading the forces toward Fuli. By the time we reach the rebel stronghold at Xuzhou, the rebel factions will not suspect us, and we can capture them all."

Chengxun granted this request. There were thirty thousand of the original troops in Suzhou; Chengxun added several hundred cavalry to their number. He rewarded them all for their service and sent them out.

Xuanren re-entered the city; at dusk he signaled with "peace fires" and the next day he piled up thousands of bundles of firewood

He set them ablaze to create the appearance of a fallen city and a collapsing army. He then headed straight for Fuli. The people of Fuli admitted them [believing them to be fleeing rebels]. Once inside, they beheaded the rebel commander there, gathered his troops, and gained another ten thousand men. They then moved north toward Xuzhou and besieged it.

He proclaimed to those atop the city walls, saying: "The Imperial Court seeks only to punish the traitorous factions; it does not harm the innocent. Why do you all continue to act as..."