Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/352

RV 347 (VICTORY) where he was proclaimed Emperor of China, with the Imperial name of Su Tsung. Here he was joined by the armies of Governor Kuo Tzu-i and Governor Li Kuang-pi.

During the next few years, the two Governors guided the war affairs of China. Hundreds of battles were fought, some little more than petty skirmishes, others of major importance. Kuo Tzu-i fought with a vehemence akin to religious zeal. To China's recovery he pledged every waking hour, every drop of his blood, every ounce of his strength. Time after time when he was outnumbered and outfought, he refused to retreat. He did not know he was beaten. Finally from sheer exhaustion his opponents were forced to withdraw. Then he attacked the retreating foe, unexpectedly, and before opposing ranks could be redrawn he swept to victory. There were always musicians accompanying his troops, and when the battle was at its blackest pitch, the band suddenly blazed forth, anthems of victory that disturbed their enemies and made their aim less sure.

Kuo Tzu-i showed no favoritism in the selection of his officers. Capable soldiers won promotion. The useless, though they were sponsored by Dukes, were plucked from the ranks.

He marched against Shih Ssu-ming, a rebel second only in importance to An Lu-shan. Tenaciously, the loyal troops plunged forward, eventually recovering many of the wavering provinces. Finally with the aid of his colleague, Li Kuang-pi, crushing blows were RV 347 (347)