General Linghu Yong of Great Yan led his troops against the bandits, and the two forces clashed in the streets of the town. The clash of weapons rang out endlessly. The Yan soldiers, hard-pressed in the alley fighting, fell back under pursuit. But once the bandits crossed the ridge, a drum sounded, and ambush troops of Yan burst forth. Linghu Yong led his men in counterattack, forcing the bandit chiefs—Flying Tiger Du Sheng and Burrowing Tiger Du Chang—to fight their way out with heavy losses. Retreating back into the streets, the bandits engaged once more, both sides locked in desperate combat, neither yielding, the scene dark with chaos.
At that moment, Beggar Sect Chief Fei signaled his followers. The beggar disciples herded away cattle, sheep, and swine, leaving the battlefield without watching further, and marched on. By dusk, they arrived at Yongqiu, where General Zhang Xun himself came forth to greet them. Bearded and stern, he said:"Grateful am I that Chief Fei leads his disciples here to aid us."
Chief Fei replied:"We come by order of the Alliance Leader of the Anti-Rebel Army to support the defense. Today, as Yan troops and bandits plundered the people, we chanced to seize livestock along the way, to supply your soldiers' table."
General Zhang was overjoyed. "Prepare a feast! Tonight we shall welcome these heroes." The garrison immediately began butchering cattle, sheep, and swine for the banquet.
That night, under a clear moon and scattered stars, the heroes' feast began. General Zhang rose with cup in hand:"I welcome the Anti-Rebel brethren. This first cup I offer to all heroes present."
The Beggar Sect, weary from long travel, felt honored at such reception. They drank together. Zhang Xun then said: "Let us dine!"
As they ate, Wu Tong asked:"General Nan Jiyun, could you recount to us General Zhang's feats? We are eager to hear."
General Nan Jiyun replied:"The General is a master of war, his stratagems divine. Once, when our arrows were spent, he ordered a thousand straw men dressed in black lowered by night outside the walls. The rebels, deceived, loosed volleys until their quivers were empty. When they found only straw dummies, we had already gathered tens of thousands of arrows. Days later, five hundred picked warriors descended the wall by night, striking Linghu Chao's camp unawares. The rebels panicked, their camp in flames, fleeing ten miles under our pursuit."
Chief Fei, ever bold, cried:"Let us all drink to our valiant General Zhang!"The company raised their cups; Zhang Xun himself joined, declaring:"Here, all are Tang heroes. Let us drink together!"
They drank deep. Though beset by enemies, Zhang Xun stood firm, inspiring loyalty, meeting each assault with wit and ferocity, a paragon of loyalty and courage remembered through the ages. That night, soldiers and volunteers alike drank and spoke of heroes—what greater joy than loyalty itself?
In the days following, the volunteer army aided the garrison. Through Nan Jiyun's introduction, Wu Tong befriended General Lei Wanchun, and the three became close. Autumn winds blew cold; summer was gone. Past the Mid-Autumn Festival, leaves fell thick. Word came that the Crown Prince had ascended at Lingwu, proclaimed as Son of Heaven. Ministers rejoiced, soldiers exulted—recovery of the twin capitals seemed near, and Tang and volunteers stood united in defense.
One day, rebel general Linghu Chao shouted from beneath the walls:"Zhang Xun! All see the court in peril—ministers fall, the Emperor has fled Chang'an. Why persist here? Why not submit to the new dynasty?"
Zhang Xun, face solemn, replied in ringing tones:"You have long prided yourself on loyalty. Yet today you betray it—where is your honor?"
Stung, Linghu Chao retorted:"Do not pretend nobility! Once my reinforcements arrive, this city shall fall!"
Zhang Xun thundered back:"As long as the city stands, so do we. If the city falls, we fall. Fed by the Tang, we serve the Tang. No more need be said!"
Linghu Chao, shamed, withdrew his forces.
That night, under flickering lamplight, a war council convened in Zhang's mansion. He rose, clad in armor, stern and commanding:"Reports say Linghu Chao brings tens of thousands more to assail Yongqiu. What counsels have you, generals?"
The room fell silent until Nan Jiyun stepped forth:"The General's stratagems surpass gods and spirits. We shall follow your lead."
Zhang nodded, then turned to Lei Wanchun. Lei's eyes gleamed:"Though they bring many, their men are weary and horses worn. Better to strike boldly, take them unawares!"
Zhang pondered, nodding. "A sound plan—yet we must tread with care."
Then Chief Fei stroked his beard and smiled:"We beggars know little of grand strategy, but much of stealth. Let us harry their camp by night, deny them sleep. When fatigue takes hold, your army may strike and rout them."
Zhang's eyes shone. "Excellent! First we weary them, then strike like thunder. Wu Tong—what say you?"
Wu Tong rose, bowing:"Chief Fei's plan is wise. The Yan army is arrogant. If we deny them rest for days, their spirit will collapse. Our volunteers will take this task—to raid and harry by night! Meanwhile, we dig tunnels beneath their lines. When the moment comes, we shall burst forth as hidden troops, slaughtering them at will!"
Zhang clapped his hands in praise. "Splendid! Any objections?"
All cried: "We obey the General!"
Zhang beheld their resolve, and with lofty spirit declared:"Then let it be so! The troops shall rest, the volunteers harry by night, and the sappers dig. When the hour comes—we strike like thunder and crush them utterly!"