But the more he acted this way, the more wary those people became.
One evening, Lin Taichu was reading a military manual by lamplight when someone suddenly came to report that General Zhao had led men into the Barracks.
He hurried outside and saw General Zhao leading over a dozen Personal Soldiers, making a noisy scene at the camp gates.
"General Lin certainly puts on airs!" General Zhao had a saber at his waist and a look of utter disdain on his face. "The brothers want to spar with your men, so why are you keeping the gates shut? Are you scared?"
Lin Taichu frowned. "The Barracks have rules. No disturbances after nightfall. If you want to spar, do it tomorrow during the day."
"Rules? A newcomer like you thinks he deserves to lecture me about rules?" General Zhao stepped forward and shoved Lin Taichu. "Let me tell you, in the capital's Barracks, you don't get to call the shots!"
Lin Taichu did not move, but his gaze turned cold. "If General Zhao wishes to make trouble, don't blame me for being rude."
"Rude? What can you do about it?" General Zhao sneered and said to the Personal Soldiers behind him, "Smash it! Let's see what he can do to us!"
The Personal Soldiers immediately moved to act, while the Soldiers under Lin Taichu's command also closed in. The two sides stood on the verge of a fight.
Just then, a voice rang out. "Stop! What are you all making such a fuss about?"
Everyone turned around and saw that the Minister of War had arrived. General Zhao's expression changed, and he quickly reined in his arrogance.
The Minister of War glared at General Zhao. "What disgraceful behavior! Is a military camp a place for you to run wild?"
General