Night had fallen, and the entire Xuanfu Garrison was shrouded in darkness.
The Jiannu encampment was situated to the east of the city. To guard against a Ming Army night raid, they had three thousand cavalry on watch and another three thousand men sleeping in full armor. Should any emergency arise, these troops could deploy at a moment's notice.
The front of the camp was fortified with chevaux-de-frise, abatis, and various other obstacles. The three thousand night-watch cavalry were divided into fifteen units of two hundred men each, patrolling the perimeter under the command of their respective Niru Zhanjing (also known as captains). If they encountered enemy activity, they were to beat drums to raise the alarm. A night raid would be difficult indeed.
Chapter 176