"Thus when Ch'eng T'ang extirpated the evil tyrant Chieh, Chieh's people rejoiced, and when King Wu of Chou attacked the vile King Chou [of the Yin dynasty], the people of Yin did not condemn him. Because their actions accorded with Heaven and Man, they were able to succeed."
Wu-tzu said: "In general to govern the state and order the army, you must instruct them with the forms of propriety [li], stimulate them with righteousness, and cause them to have a sense of shame. For when men have a sense of shame, in the greatest degree it will be sufficient to wage war, while in the least degree it will suffice to preserve the state.'
"Now being victorious in battle is easy, but preserving the results of victory is difficult.' Thus it is said that among the states under Heaven that engage in warfare, those that garner five victories will meet with disaster; those with four victories will be exhausted; those with three victories will become hegemons; those with two victories will be kings; and those with one victory will become emperors. For this reason those who have conquered the world through numerous victories are extremely rare, while those who thereby perished are many."
Wu-tzu said: "In general the reasons troops are raised are five: to contend for fame; to contend for profit; from accumulated hatreds; from internal disorder; and from famine. The names [of the armies6] are also five: `righteous army,' `strong army,' `hard army,' `fierce army,' and `contrary army.' Suppressing the violently perverse and rescuing the people from chaos is termed `righteousness.' Relying on [the strength of] the masses to attack is termed `strong.' Mobilizing the army out of anger is termed `hard.' Abandoning the forms of propriety [ii] and greedily seeking profit is termed `fierce.' While the country is in turmoil and the people are exhausted, embarking on military campaigns and mobilizing the masses is termed `contrary.' These five each have an appropriate Way [Tao]. In the case of the righteous you must use propriety to subjugate them. Toward the strong you must be deferential to subjugate them. Against the hard you must use persuasive language to subjugate them. Against the fierce you must employ deceit to subjugate them. Against the contrary you must use the tactical balance of power [ch'uan] to subjugate them."
Marquis Wu asked: "Could I hear about the Way [Tao] for ordering the troops, evaluating? men, and making the state secure?" Wu Ch'i replied: "The enlightened kings of antiquity always exerted every effort to maintain the forms of propriety [li] between themselves and their ministers, manifest the distinctions of rank, settle and assemble the officials and people, accord with their customs to instruct them, and select and recruit the talented in order to prepare for the unexpected.
"In the past Duke Huan of Ch'i8 enlisted the support of fifty thousand men and thereby attained hegemony over the feudal lords. Duke Wen of Chin summoned forty thousand men to serve as his lead troops and thereafter realized his intention [of becoming hegemon]. Duke Mu of Ch'in organized thirty thousand men into penetrating formations and subdued neighboring enemies.
"Thus the ruler of a strong state must evaluate his people. Among the people those who have courage and strength should be assembled into one unit. Those who take pleasure in advancing into battle and exerting their strength to manifest their loyalty and courage should be assembled into another unit. Those who can climb high and traverse far, who are nimble and fleet should be assembled into a unit. Officials of the king who have lost their positions and want to show their merit to their ruler should be assembled into a unit. Those who abandoned their cities or left their defensive positions and want to eradicate the disgrace should also be assembled into a unit. These five will constitute the army's disciplined, elite troops. With three thousand such men, from within one can strike out and break any encirclement or from without break into any city and slaughter the defenders."9
Marquis Wu inquired: "I would like to hear about the Way [Tao] for making battle formations invariably stable, defenses inevitably solid, and victory in battle certain." Wu Ch'i replied: "This can immediately be made clear, but why ask only about this? If you are able to have worthy men hold high positions and the unworthy occupy low positions, then your battle formations will already be stable. If the people are settled in their farming and homes and [are] attached to their local authorities, then your defenses will already be solid. When the hundred surnames all acclaim my lord and condemn neighboring states, then in battle you will already be victorious."
Once when Marquis Wu was planning government affairs, none of his numerous ministers could equal him. After dismissing the court he had a happy, self-satisfied look. Wu Ch'i entered and said: "Once in antiquity when King Chuang of Ch'u was planning state affairs, he discovered none of his ministers could equal his talents. After he had dismissed the court he wore a trou bled countenance. Duke Shen inquired: `Why does your lordship have a troubled countenance?' He replied: `I have heard it said that there is no lack of Sages in the world and no shortage of Worthies in a state. One who can get them to be his teachers will be a king, while one who has them as his friends can become a hegemon. Now I am not talented, yet none of my ministers can even equal me in ability. Our state of Ch'u is in deep trouble.' This is what the king of Ch'u found troublesome, yet you are pleased by it. I therefore dare to be fearful!" Marquis Wu immediately looked embar- rassed.10
Marquis Wu addressed Wu Ch'i: "At present Ch'in coerces me on the west, Ch'u encircles me in the south, Chao collides with me in the north, Ch'i encroaches on us in the east, Yen cuts off my rear, and Han occupies land to the front. Defending against the troops of six nations in all four directions, our strategic configurations of power [shih] is extremely disadvantageous. I am worried. What can be done about this?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "In general first being cautious is the true treasure in the Way [Tao] for ensuring the security of the state. As you have now awakened to the trouble, disaster can be kept away. Let me discuss the character and customs of these six countries."
"Although Ch'i's battle array is dense in number, it is not solid. That of Ch'in is dispersed, with the soldiers preferring to fight individually. Ch'u's formations have good order, but they cannot long maintain their positions. Yen's formations are adept at defense, but they are not mobile.12 The battle arrays of the Three Chin are well controlled, but they prove useless.
"Now Ch'i's character is hard; their country is prosperous; the ruler and ministers are arrogant and extravagant and insulting to the common people. The government is expansive, but salaries are inequitable. Each formation is of two minds, with the front being heavy and the rear light. Thus while they are dense, they are not stable. The Way [Tao] to attack them is to divide them into three, harrying and pursuing the left and right, coercing and following them for then their formations can be destroyed.
"Ch'in's character is strong, the land treacherous, and the government severe. Their rewards and punishments are believed in; the people never yield but instead are all fiery and contentious. Thus they scatter and individually engage in combat. The Way [Tao] to attack them is to first entice them with profits for their soldiers are greedy and will abandon their generals to pursue them. Capitalizing on their misjudgment you can hunt down their scattered ranks, establish ambushes, take advantage of the moment, and then their generals can be captured.
"Ch'u's character is weak, its lands broad, its government troubling [to the people], and its people weary. Thus while they are well-ordered, they do not long maintain their positions. The Way [Tao] to attack them is to suddenly strike and cause chaos in the encampments. First snatch away their ch'i-lightly13 advancing and then quickly retreating, tiring and laboring them, never actually joining battle with them. Then their army can be defeated.
"Yen's character is sincere and straightforward. Its people are careful; they love courage and righteousness and rarely practice deception in their plans. Thus they will defend their positions but are not mobile. The Way [Tao] to attack them is to strike and press them; insult them and then put distance between you; then race and get behind them so that their upper ranks will be doubtful and their
lower ranks fearful. Be cautious about our chariots and cavalry, avoiding conflict on the open road, and then their general can be captured.
"The Three Chin are central countries. Their character is harmonious and their governments equitable. The populace is weary from battle but experienced in arms, and they have little regard for their generals. Salaries are meager, and as their officers have no commitment to fight to the death, they are ordered but useless. The Way [Tao] to attack them is to press [points in] their formations, and when large numbers appear oppose them. When they turn back, pursue them in order to wear them out. That then is the strategic configuration of power [shih] in these countries.
"Within the army you must have soldiers with the courage of tigers, the strength to easily lift tripods, and the fleetness of barbarian horses. To attack their flags and seize their generals you must have men with such abilities. If you have men such as these, select and segregate them [into special units]; favor and honor them. They are referred to as the `army's fate.' Those who are expert in the use of the five weapons,14 who are strong and quick and are intent on swallowing the enemy should be given rank and prominence for they can make victory decisive. If you are generous to their parents, wives, and children; encourage them with rewards; and awe them with punishments, these strong soldiers, when in formation, will solidly hold their positions for a long time. If you can discern and evaluate men such as these, you can attack a force double your strength."
Marquis Wu exclaimed: "Good!"
Wu-tzu said: "In general when evaluating the enemy there are eight conditions under which one engages in battle without performing divination.ls
"First, in violent winds and extreme cold, they arise early and are on the march while [barely] awake, breaking ice to cross streams, unfearing of any hardship.16
"Second, in the burning heat of midsummer, they arise late and without delay press forward in haste, through hunger and thirst, concentrating on attaining far-off objectives.
"Third, the army has been out in the field for an extended period; their food supplies are exhausted; the hundred surnames are resentful and angry; and numerous baleful portents have arisen, with the superior officers being unable to squash their effects.
"Fourth, the army's resources have already been exhausted; firewood and hay are scarce; the weather frequently cloudy and rainy; and even if they wanted to plunder for supplies, there is nowhere to go.
"Fifth, the number mobilized is not large; the terrain and water not advantageous; the men and horses both sick and worn out; and no assistance comes from their allies.
"Sixth, the road is far and the sun setting; the officers and men have labored long and are fearful. They are tired and have not eaten; having cast aside their armor, they are resting.
"Seventh, the generals are weak; the officials irresponsible; the officers and troops are not solid; the Three Armies are frequently frightened; and the forces lack any assistance.
"Eighth, their formations are not yet settled; their encampment [is] not yet finished; or they are traversing dangerous territory and narrow defiles, half concealed and half exposed.
"In these eight conditions attack them without any doubts.
"There are six circumstances in which, without performing divination, you should avoid conflict.
"First, the land is broad and vast, the people wealthy and numerous.
"Second, the government loves the people, the ruler's beneficence extends and flows [to all of them].
"Third, rewards are trusted, punishments based on investigation, and both are invariably implemented in a timely fashion.
"Fourth, people are ranked according to their military accomplishments; they award official positions to the Worthy and employ the able.
"Fifth, their forces are massive, and their weapons and armor are all firstrate.
"Sixth, they have the assistance of all their neighbors and the support of a powerful state.
"In general in these situations you are not a match for the enemy, so without doubt avoid them. This is what is meant by `seeing possibility and advancing, knowing difficulty and withdrawing."'
Marquis Wu inquired: "From external observation of the enemy I would like to know their internal character, from studying their advance know at what point they will stop in order to determine victory and defeat." May I hear about this?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "If the enemy approaches in reckless disarray, unthinking; if their flags and banners are confused and in disorder; and if the men and horses frequently look about, then one unit can attack ten of theirs, invariably causing them to be helpless.
"If the feudal lords have not yet assembled; ruler and ministers are not yet in agreement; ditches and embankments not yet complete; prohibitions and orders not yet issued; and the Three Armies clamoring-wanting to advance but being unable to, wanting to retreat but not daring to-then you can attack with half the enemy's force and never lose in a hundred encounters."
Marquis Wu asked: "Is there a Way [Tao] by which the enemy can invariably be attacked?"
Wu Ch'i said: "In employing the army you must ascertain the enemy's voids and strengths and then race [to take advantage of] his endangered points. When the enemy has just arrived from afar and their battle formations are not yet properly deployed, they can be attacked. If they have eaten but not yet established their encampment, they can be attacked. If they are running about wildly, they can be attacked. If they have labored hard, they can be attacked. If they have not yet taken advantage of the terrain, they can be attacked. When they have lost the critical moment and not followed up on opportunities, they can be attacked. When they have traversed a great distance and the rear guard has not yet had time to rest, they can be attacked. When fording rivers and only half of them have crossed, they can be attacked. On narrow and confined roads, they can be attacked. When their flags and banners move about chaotically, they can be attacked. When their formations frequently move about, they can be attacked. When a general is separated from his soldiers, they can be attacked. When they are afraid, they can be attacked. In general in circumstances such as these, select crack troops to rush on them, divide your remaining troops, and continue the assaultpressing the attack swiftly and decisively."
Marquis Wu asked: "In employing the troops what is primary?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "First make clear the four [principles] of lightness, the two of heaviness, and the one of belief."
The Duke asked: "What do you mean?"
He replied: "You should arrange the employment of terrain so that it will be easy for the horses; the horses so that they will easily pull the chariots; the chariots so that they will easily convey the men; and the men so that they will easily engage in battle. If you are clear about treacherous and easy ground, then the terrain will be light for the horses. If they have hay and grain at the proper times, the horses will easily pull the chariots. If the axles are well greased, the chariots will easily convey the men. If the weapons are sharp and armor sturdy, the men will easily engage in battle. For advancing there should be generous rewards; for retreating heavy penalties; and they should both be properly implemented so that they will be believed in. If your examination can realize this, it will be the key to victory.i'S
Marquis Wu asked: "What measures will ensure the soldiers will be victorious?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "Control19 is foremost."
Marquis Wu again asked: "It is not large numbers?"
"If the laws and orders are not clear, rewards and punishments not trusted; when sounding the gongs will not cause them to halt or beating the drum to advance, then even if you had one million men, of what use would they be? What is meant by control is that when stationary [in camp] they observe the forms of propriety Ili] and when in action they are awesome. When they advance they cannot be withstood; when they withdraw they cannot be pursued. Their advancing and withdrawing are measured; the left and right flanks respond to the signal flags. Even if broken off from the main order they preserve their formations; even if sca
ttered they will reform lines. They will hold together in peace; they will hold together in danger. Their number can be assembled together, but cannot be forced apart. They can be employed, but they cannot be exhausted. No matter where you can dispatch them, no one under Heaven will be able to withstand them. They are called `the troops of a father and son."'20
Wu-tzu said: "In general the Way [Tao] to command an army on the march is to not contravene the proper measure of advancing and stopping; not miss the appropriate times for eating and drinking; and not completely exhaust the strength of the men and horses. These three are the means by which the troops can undertake the orders of their superiors. When the orders of superiors are followed, control is produced. If advancing and resting are not measured; if drinking and eating are not timely and appropriate; and if, when the horses are tired and the men weary, they are not allowed to relax in the encampment, then they will be unable to put the commander's orders into effect. When the commander's orders are thus disobeyed, when encamped they will be in turmoil, and in battle they will be defeated."
Wu-tzu said: "In general, on the battlefield-soon to become a graveyard-if the soldiers are committed to fight to the death they will live, whereas if they seek to stay alive they will die. A good general will act as if [they are] in a sinking boat or trapped in a burning building-there is not enough time for the wise to make plans or the courageous to get angry. Only engaging the enemy will do! Thus it is said that the greatest harm that can befall the army's employment [stems from] hesitation, while the disasters that strike the Three Armies are born in doubt."
The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China Page 26
