The Grandmaster Strategist - Volume 4 - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Volume 4, Chapter 20: Breaking a Goshawk’s Wings (End)

Tan Ji was employed in an important position by Grand General Long Tingfei . Beginning as an uneducated individual, Ji was personally taught military strategy and tactics by Long Tingfei, rising from a commoner to become a general . This in itself was not an easy task . His personality was melancholic and unsociable . Every time the Grand General held a banquet to raise morale, although Ji would reluctantly attend, he never touched a drop of alcohol, sitting by himself, causing the entire mood to be depressed . After several occasions, the Grand General could only cease to invite Ji . Ji was severe towards his subordinates . Any violators of military regulations, regardless of distinction or bravery, would be executed . As a result, his command’s formations were orderly, never fearing death in battle, showcasing a vigorous military prestige that was rarely seen in the world . Although Ji held a high position, he retained his previous simplistic lifestyle . Whenever he was conferred with rewards, he would always share them with his subordinates . Although his subordinates feared Ji, they were more than willing to serve him to the death .

Ji’s parents died in the chaos of war, leaving Ji with deep hatred . Every time he campaigned, he always perpetrated slaughter, repeatedly massacring captives and disturbing the common people . No matter how Grand General tried to exhort him, he did not listen . However, because Ji was a talented commander, filling the people of Yong with dread, the Grand General did not wish to limit him . Ji’s appearance seemed to be scholarly and handsome, and carried a miserable past that frequently made him ashamed . He concealed his face with a bronze mask, always wearing it . People nicknamed him the Ghost-Faced General . His guards copied him, striking fear into both friend and foe .

—Northern Han Dynastic Records, Biography of Tan Ji