To General Wang Qing, Commander of the Fengguo Army, Raging Tides has raised the banner of righteousness in t…
To General Wang Qing, Commander of the Fengguo Army,
Raging Tides has raised the banner of righteousness in the northwest. Hearing that the Jin army stands locked against the Khitans at the Hutuo, I have led my men south in breakout, hoping to lend you my strength and join you in breaking the northern foe.
I have long heard that Du Chongwei holds tally and axe in hand, with weighty authority and stern command. A man such as I is of little standing and slighter voice. Were I to trouble him directly with these few words, I fear they would never reach his ear. I therefore ask that you pass them on for me.
There are but three essentials in war: men, horses, and grain.
As Raging Tides commands a righteous host, men gather to us of their own accord, and the court need not spend thought on raising troops for our sake. For the sake of swift response and timely action, I ask only that my force be allowed to stand apart as an army unto itself, without every matter being tied up in reports and petitions. Thus, even if there are those in high command who traffic with the Khitans and let military secrets slip abroad, there may yet remain some room to salvage the greater situation.
In this southward march, after many battles and losses, most of our mounts have perished. I know that Du Chongwei is a great lover of fine horses, and that his stables hold many worthy chargers. As the saying goes, a good horse does not idle in the stable, nor a good ox stand idle from the plough. The moment is urgent. Let the righteous army put those horses to use first and replenish our cavalry. Better that they carry men into battle than remain hidden away waiting on Du Chongwei's leisure.
At the Hutuo the armies stand opposed, and this is likely to become a long war. A righteous army is not like the court, with overflowing storehouses and deep reserves. Grain and pay are matters of life and death. Yet Du Chongwei, in his admirable foresight, has already laid by no small wealth for the army's future needs. If that treasure may be put to proper use, then provisions will be no cause for worry. I shall go first and see it found. Once supplies are in hand, I will return and offer him my thanks in full.
In recent days, both within and beyond the passes, I have often seen notices bearing my likeness. Such favor from Du Chongwei leaves me deeply moved. Yet while the Khitans remain unbroken, how could I dare speak of reward? When victory is won, I shall present myself before his tent in person and receive his generosity then.