Zhang Gao said, "Hall-Master Wu, His Majesty has stated clearly that the situation in Suizhang is critical. What strategy does Lord Wu propose?"
Wu Tong pointed at Helan Jinming and scolded, "Were it not for officials like this man, how could Suizhang's defenders have been abandoned to such a plight? Lord Zhang, the righteous militias await outside. This matter must not be delayed. Give us half a day to inspect the troops and horses—at you-shi (around 5 p.m.) the army shall march, traveling day and night to relieve Suizhang!"
Zhang Gao proclaimed, "Generals, hear my command. Pass the order—assemble the troops and prepare the horses. The army departs at you-shi!"A thunderous "Yes, sir!" filled the hall, and the generals dispersed. Zhang Gao pondered deeply; if Suizhang were to fall, the consequences would be disastrous. He therefore issued simultaneous dispatches to the closer garrisons at Haozhou, Xuzhou, and Beihai, ordering them to advance immediately to relieve the siege. He then declared, "Transmit my command: Haozhou Prefect Lüqiu Xiao is to set out at once to aid Suizhang."A subordinate saluted and departed swiftly.
Wen Tingyun — "Song of the Knight-Errant" (Tang Dynasty)
To leave the Hongdu Gate—dark clouds shroud the palace towers.The treasured sword is dim as water, faintly reddened with drying blood.The white steed whinnies through the night;At the third watch, Ba Ling lies beneath drifting snow.
At you-shi, Zhang Gao's army set forth with the righteous militias to rescue Suizhang. They rode without rest.By the time they reached Huaikou, townsfolk were already kneeling at the gates. News of Zhang Xun's martyrdom had spread rapidly along the Grand Canal, the Yangtze, and the Huai River. Upon hearing the Tang army was arriving, all—young and old, men and women—gathered outside the city.
When they saw Zhang Gao's banners appear, they burst into uncontrollable sobs.
They cried, "Yesterday the enemy broke into Suizhang. General Zhang Xun was captured but refused to surrender. He and his officers all died as martyrs!"
The rebel commander Yin Ziqi had executed Zhang Xun and thirty-six of his stalwart officers—Nan Jiyun, Yao Yin, Lei Wanchun, and others—and had sent Xu Yuan to Luoyang as a prisoner.
Wu Tong and the righteous militias, upon hearing this calamity, wept aloud.Zhang Gao dismounted and personally helped the kneeling people to their feet, offering comfort one by one.
The Beggar-Clan Chief sighed, "Who would have thought that General Zhang Xun, loyal unto death, would meet such an end?"
Unable to suppress the fury in his chest, Wu Tong shouted, "Slay the rebel dogs! Avenge our fallen heroes!"
The righteous militia—who had fought shoulder to shoulder with Zhang Xun—were overcome with grief and rage. Hearing Wu Tong's cry, they roared as one:"Slay the rebel dogs! Avenge our fallen heroes!"
The Tang soldiers, likewise shaken, echoed loudly:"Slay the rebel dogs! Avenge our fallen heroes!"
Zhang Gao saw this and declared, "Good people of Huaikou, I, Zhang Gao, march today to punish the rebels. I swear to avenge General Zhang Xun!"
Just then, a cloud of dust rose in the distance. Hoofbeats approached—not hurried, not slow—another Tang army. It was Lüqiu Xiao, Prefect of Haozhou. Yet he had taken his time, showing no urgency whatsoever to relieve Suizhang.Zhang Gao's anger surged at once.
Wu Tong stepped beside him and said, "Lord Zhang, rescue troops must move as though fighting a fire. Lüqiu Xiao's sluggishness deserves the severest military punishment!"
Zhang Gao replied, "Hall-Master Wu, Lüqiu Xiao commands a sizeable force. Though he must answer for his offense, we cannot confront him head-on. Have you a stratagem?"
Wu Tong said, "Simply summon him to discuss strategy. Leave the rest to me."
Zhang Gao had not expected Lüqiu Xiao to arrive with such a large contingent—yet stopping fifty zhang away. Zhang Gao called out:"Lord Lü, why not come closer so we may speak plainly?"
Lüqiu Xiao replied, "Lord Zhang, rather than my approaching you, why not have you come to me? Would that not be more convenient?"
Zhang Gao answered, "Then let each side advance twenty paces. What say you?"
Lüqiu Xiao said, "Agreed!"
Both sides moved twenty paces, drawing within a mere ten or so paces of each other.
Zhang Gao's face darkened."Lord Lü, by imperial command I sent urgent orders for you to march swiftly to Suizhang's aid. Why have you only now arrived?"
Lüqiu Xiao said, "The rebels are fierce and our forces would be endangered. Now that we join with yours, Lord Zhang, that is the wiser course."
Suddenly—"Die, you treacherous cur!"
A blur flashed like lightning.
Wu Tong had already leapt into the air. In several nimble bounds he closed in—Lüqiu Xiao gasped, unable even to raise a hand in defense—Puff!Wu Tong struck his Tianchi acupoint on the left chest, seized him by the back of the neck, the mortal weak spot; a single surge of force would snap it.
He hoisted Lüqiu Xiao into the air. Guards shouted in panic—Wu Tong kicked out with sweeping aerial blows, sending them crashing to the ground.Still carrying Lüqiu Xiao, he bounded back toward Zhang Gao.
Wu Tong flung Lüqiu Xiao onto the dirt.
"Kneel!"
Across the way, Lüqiu Xiao's soldiers were terrified—leaderless and surrounded by Tang troops.Zhang Gao called out,"Haozhou soldiers, this matter is not your doing. Lay down your weapons at once!"
Seeing resistance was futile, Lüqiu Xiao's troops dropped their arms.
Wu Tong's chest burned with righteous fury. He pointed at Lüqiu Xiao and declared:"Lord Zhang! Lüqiu Xiao received the imperial order, yet failed to ride day and night to Suizhang's rescue. According to military law—what is the punishment?"
His words, heavy with grief and wrath, moved all who heard them.
Zhang Gao's brows tightened. His expression hardened.With solemn finality, he said:
"According to military law—execution on the spot!"