It is said that Zhang Xun and his subordinates—Nan Jiyun, Yao Yan, Lei Wanchun, and thirty-six men in total—defended Suiyang to the death and gave their lives for the nation. Though they perished, that single battle enshrined them among the immortals of history, leaving a fragrance of renown that endures through the ages. Later generations, moved by the loyalty and valor of these soldiers, established shrines to honor them. Thus, for a thousand years and more, incense has never ceased to burn in their memory.
After the fall of Suiyang, the Tang army reclaimed the city seven days later. Ten days after that, the Eastern Capital, Luoyang, was also recaptured, as Prince of Guangping, Li Chu, led his forces to retake the city in one decisive stroke. Wherever Zhang Gao's army passed, the prefectures and counties surrendered without resistance.
In the second year of the Zhide era of the Tang dynasty (757), in the tenth month, after the Battle of Shan Prefecture, An Qingxu fled Luoyang with only 1,300 men and escaped to Ye City. Before his departure, he slaughtered more than thirty Tang commanders who had previously been captured, including Geshu Han, Xu Yuan, and Cheng Qianli, Governor of Shangdang.
Two days after An Qingxu fled, Prince Li Chu entered Luoyang with his army. The recapture of both capitals—Chang'an and Luoyang—was formally proclaimed. Guo Ziyi's Tang forces not only secured Luoyang but also dispatched troops to seize Henei (present-day Qinyang, Henan), forcing the rebel general Yan Zhuang to surrender. The Tang army then besieged Chenliu (present-day Kaifeng, Henan) for several days, suffering the loss of more than a thousand elite soldiers.
That evening, outside the Tang military camp, a lone visitor arrived and requested that the guards report his wish to see the Beggars' Sect leader and the Hall Master of the Loyalty Hall.
Elder Fei of the Beggars' Sect and Hall Master Wu stepped out—and were surprised to see Left Dharma King Meng Ming. Meng Ming cupped his fists respectfully and said,"Elder Fei of the Beggars' Sect, Hall Master Wu—our sect leader, Murong Gui, has urgent matters to discuss with you both. At the Hour of the Dog, please meet us at the Fude Temple ahead."
The Beggars' Sect leader glanced at Wu Tong. Wu Tong asked,"What pressing matter is this?"
Meng Ming replied,"The Tang army is besieging Chenliu and has suffered significant losses. Sect Leader Murong cannot bear to see the common people of the realm continue to suffer. He hopes the two of you will attend and discuss a grand plan together."
Wu Tong said,"Very well. Return and inform Sect Leader Murong that we will arrive on time."
Meng Ming gave a slight bow and departed.
Returning to the main tent, Wu Tong relayed the matter to Liu Yun and Ling Xian'er. Liu Yun said,"It is unclear what schemes Sect Leader Murong may harbor. We should be cautious."
Ling Xian'er replied,"The rebels' momentum has already collapsed, and Sect Leader Murong has withdrawn from the rebel camp. Most likely, this visit concerns internal efforts among the rebels to surrender to the Tang."
Elder Fei nodded and said,"What Xian'er says aligns well with my own thoughts. I suspect this is indeed the case."
Wu Tong pondered for a moment and said,"If that is so, this matter must first be discussed with Lord Zhang Gao."
Thus, Wu Tong and Elder Fei went together to the commander-in-chief's tent.
Inside, they found Zhang Gao frowning deeply. Upon seeing them enter, he said,"Elder Fei, Hall Master Wu—this commander is incompetent. After days of siege, we have lost men and gained nothing."
Wu Tong replied,"My lord, that is precisely why we have come."
Zhang Gao asked in confusion,"Is there an important matter to discuss?"
Elder Fei said,"My lord, do you recall how we captured Suiyang?"
Zhang Gao answered,"Of course. It was through the strategies offered by the righteous forces, attacking from within and without."
Elder Fei nodded."Exactly so. At present, the rebel forces in Chenliu are surrounded but refuse to surrender. If we persist in storming the city, casualties among our soldiers will be unavoidable. Should both sides fight to mutual destruction, neither will benefit."
Zhang Gao nodded slowly."I am not a man who fails to adapt to circumstances. If Chenliu can be recovered swiftly, and the rebels are willing to surrender the city, I would welcome it. However—Yin Ziqi murdered General Zhang Xun and others. His crimes are unforgivable. He must be executed!"
Wu Tong said,"My lord's judgment is precisely in line with my own thoughts—most wise and just. I believe that once Yin Ziqi is lawfully executed, an amnesty may be granted to the surrendered officers and soldiers. This would both spare lives on both sides and further undermine the rebels' morale."
Zhang Gao replied magnanimously,"Hall Master Wu speaks well. His Majesty once instructed me that rebels may be induced to surrender rather than exterminated. If Chenliu can be reclaimed swiftly, we shall proceed as you suggest. I am willing to see it done."
Elder Fei looked at Wu Tong and nodded, then turned to Zhang Gao."My lord, grant us three days. For now, suspend the assault. We will employ methods of the martial world. I believe that within three days, Chenliu will fall."
Zhang Gao was overjoyed."If that is so, it will be a blessing for the people under heaven!"
Wu Tong said,"My lord, let it be settled thus. Please grant the Tang army three more days. By then, there will surely be good news."
The two cupped their fists to Zhang Gao and withdrew from the command tent.
Night fell. Under the moonlight, several figures sped across the fields toward the Fude Temple. It was the Hour of the Dog. Wu Tong's group of four arrived to find three men already waiting before the temple—none other than Black Dragon Sect Leader Murong Gui, Left Dharma King Meng Ming, and Right Dharma King Shi Kai. Upon the altar table of the temple, a full spread of wine and dishes had been laid out.
Sect Leader Murong said,"Elder Fei, Hall Master Wu, and the two madams—please, be seated."
After all were seated, Elder Fei spoke first."I have heard that Sect Leader Murong has withdrawn from the Yan court. May I ask what important matter has prompted this evening's invitation?"
Murong Gui replied,"Elder Fei is a man of heroism and benevolence. I trust you have already guessed our purpose, so I will speak plainly. The people of Chenliu, along with some officials, intend to abandon darkness and turn toward the light, yet they do not know how to make contact with the Tang army, nor how to avoid this calamity. Thus, they came to me, hoping that I might intervene on their behalf."
Wu Tong said,"Sect Leader Murong, matters in this world are rarely a simple question of right or wrong. Chenliu is now completely encircled by the Tang army. If the rebels do not surrender, their end cannot be far off."
Murong Gui replied,"Since ancient times, those loyal to ruler and country have left their names for eternity. Yet the vast majority of people live ordinary lives. Survival itself is no easy matter. Many join the army merely to earn a bowl of food and struggle on through life. Concepts such as national righteousness are far too distant and unreal for them. Hall Master Wu—you are a man of insight. What do you think?"
Wu Tong nodded and said,"What Sect Leader Murong says is entirely true. I greatly admire your understanding. In times of chaos, those who truly comprehend great righteousness—loyal ministers and martyrs—are exceedingly rare, few enough to count on one's fingers…"