Army Etiquette
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 1
- 2
- 1
- 2
- 1
- 2
- 1
- 2
In 158 B.C., the Huns invaded the northern border of China. To strengthen the border defense, Emperor Wen of the Han dynasty appointed Generals Liu Li, Xu Li and Zhou Yafu to three garrisons respectively.
Once, the emperor paid a visit to these garrisons. His party was able to go straight into the barracks of Generals Liu Li and Xu Li. The generals and soldiers came out on horseback to greet him and see him off. When the royal entourage reached General Zhou's barracks, however, it was stopped at the entrance by armed soldiers. The emperor's vanguard announced that the emperor was coming. But the officer replied, "We only take orders from General Zhou."
Soon the emperor arrived, but his entourage was not permitted to proceed. A messenger was sent to General Zhou with royal credentials to inform him of the emperor's arrival. Thereupon the general ordered the gate of the barracks to be thrown open.
"Galloping is not allowed." the guards told the royal carriage drivers. The royal entourage moved slowly inside. General Zhou, together with his officers, waited in full uniform.
"Forgive me for not kneeling, Your Majesty," said the general as he bowed to the emperor. "A soldier in armor only salutes in the military manner."
The emperor straightened up and saluted the army. At the end of his inspection, he sent a messenger to General Zhou to thank him for his trouble.
"Now there is a real general," the emperor said to the officials of the royal entourage as he was leaving. "The other two garrisons are like child's play. No discipline. No rule. They could be taken prisoner if the enemy stages a surprise attack. But with General Zhou Yafu, you cannot take a chance."
He went on praising General Zhou for a long time. Soon the general was promoted to be the commander-in-chief for the defense of the capital.
Next Story
Borrowed Authority
Last Story
Symptoms
Wise Proverbs
- Justice has long arms.
- 天网恢恢，疏而不漏。
- Pardon all men, but never thyself.
- 严以律已，宽以待人。
- Practise what you preach.
- 躬行已说，身体力行。
Editor Says:
If you bend the rules to please your boss, you often lose more than you gain.