Entry

On this day, the Li bandits in Jiao-zhi attacked Qing-hua Subprefecture, but subsequently withdrew without achieving success. At this time, the Cheng-shan Marquis Wang Tong had not regained his firmness following the defeat at Ning Bridge and, without authority, he promulgated a notice advising that all cities to the South of Qing-hua were being placed under the command of Li Li. The officials, clerks, military personnel and civilians were ordered to leave the cities and proceed to Dong-guan. Only those in Qing-hua Subprefecture did not accord. Formerly Li had attacked Qing-hua, but the Magistrate Luo Tong and the Commander Da Zhong had led the troops and civilians in defending the city. At times, they sent troops out to smash the bandits' mountains of earth (土山) and kill bandit soldiers. The bandits' strength thus gradually diminished. When this notice arrived, all within the city were frightened. [Luo] Tong spoke to Zhong, saying: "We have held fast against the bandits and defeated them several times. Leaving the city makes no sense. The walls are high and the moat is deep. The grain is plentiful and the people numerous. Instead of leaving the city and being captured, why not fight to the death. Besides, we may not even need to die. The regional commander is giving our city to the bandits. We cannot follow his orders." Thus Tong and Zhong encouraged their troops and the city's defences were strengthened. The bandits attacked but were unsuccessful and subsequently withdrew. When Wang Tong abandoned Jiao-zhi, [Luo] Tong and the others returned to the capital.