Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China

by Shawn Conners

  文王问太公，说：具备什么条件才可以治理天下呢?

  太公说：器量盖过天下，然后才能包容天下；诚信盖过天下，然后才能约束天下；仁慈盖过天下，然后才能怀柔天下；恩惠盖过天下，然后才能保有天下；权力盖过天下，然后才能不失天下；遇事果决不疑，就象天体运行不能改变，就象四时变化不能更易一样。这六个条件具备了，然后就可以治理天下了。

  所以为天下人谋利益的，人民就拥护他；使天下人受祸害的，人民就反对他；关心为天下人谋生存的，人民就怀念他的恩德；杀戮天下人的，人民就要毁灭他；顺应天下人意愿的，人民就归向他；造成天下人穷困的，人民就仇视他；使天下人安居乐业的，人民就依靠他；使天下人遭受危难的，人民就逃离他。天下不是一个人的天下，只有有道的人，才能做君主。

  Three Doubts

  King Wu (Zhou Gong Wu, second son of King Wen) inquired of Jiāng Zǐyá: “I want to attain our aim of overthrowing the Shang, but I have three doubts. I am afraid that our strength will be inadequate to attack the strong, unable to estrange his close supporters within the court and unable to cause discord between Shang and his people. What should I do?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá replied: “Be familiar with the situation, be very cautious in making plans, and employ your material resources. Now in order to attack the strong, you must nurture their arrogance, and exaggerate it to make it worse. What is too arrogant will certainly fail; what is too extended must have deficiencies. Attack the strong through growing his arrogance. Cause estrangement of his favored officials by using their favorites, and cause disharmony with his people by means of your people.

  “Now in the way of planning, thoroughness and secrecy are treasured. You should become involved with him in numerous affairs and ply him with temptations of profit. Conflicts will then surely rise.

  “If you want to cause his close supporters to become estranged from him, you must do it by using what he favors - making gifts to those whom he favors, giving them what they want. Tempt them with what they find profitable, use them to sow discord between the ruler and close supporters, and causing the close supporters to be unable to attain their ambitions. Those who covet profits will be extremely happy at the prospects, and they will continue seeding doubts among the close supporters and the ruler.

  “Now without doubt, the Way for attacking is to first obfuscate the King’s clarity and then attack his army, destroying his greatness and eliminating the misfortune of the people. Debauch him with beautiful women, entice him with profit. Nurture him with (food) flavors and provide him with the company of female musicians. Then, after you have caused his subordinates to become estranged from him, you must cause the people to grow distant from him, while never letting him know of your plans. Appear to support him and draw him into your trap. Do not let him become aware of what is happening, for only then can your plan be successful. When bestowing your beneficence on the people, you cannot begrudge the expenses, similar to the proper care of cows and horses. Frequently make gifts of food and clothing and follow up by loving them.

  “The mind is the means to open knowledge; knowledge is the means to open up the source of wealth; and wealth is the means to open up the people. Gaining allegiance of the people is the way to attract worthy men. When one is enlightened by sagely advisers, he can govern all under Heaven.”

  武王问太公说：我想建功立业，但有三点疑虑：恐怕力量不足以进攻强敌；恐怕不能离间敌人的亲信；恐怕不能瓦解敌人的军队。对此怎么办呢？

  太公说：一是因势利导；二是慎用计谋；三是使用钱财。要进攻强敌，必先助长它的恃强蛮横，使他更加猖狂自大。过于强横，必遭挫折；过于骄傲，必致失误。要进攻强大敌人，必先助长它的强暴；要离间敌人亲信，必先收买敌人亲信；要瓦解敌人军队，必先收揽敌国民心。运用计谋，以周密最为重要。许给故人一些好处，给与敌人一些利益，使他们互相争夺。

  要想离间敌国君主所亲信的忠臣，应从他所宠爱的佞臣着手，用他们所想得到的东西送他，许给他们以丰厚的利益。利用他们[去播弄是非]，使其君主疏远忠臣，使这些忠臣不能得志。那些佞臣因为得到我们给与的利益很高兴，就会去制造敌人相互间的怀疑，而达到我离间他们的目的。

  一般攻击强大敌人的方法是，首先蒙蔽敌国君主的耳目，然后才能进攻他强大的军队，摧毁他庞大的国家，以达到为民除害的目的。[蒙蔽敌人耳目的方法是：]用女色腐蚀他，用厚利引诱他，用美味养他，用淫乐迷乱他。既离间了他的亲信，也就会使他疏远人民，不让他发觉这是谋，推推拉拉把他引入了我们的圈套，而他还不明白我的意图，然后就可成事了。施恩惠于人民，不要吝惜财物，人民和牛马一样，经常喂养它们，就能使它们和你亲近。思考研究可以产生智慧，智慧可以产生财富，财富可以养育民众，民众中就可以涌现出贤才，大批贤才涌现出来就可以辅住君主统治天下。

  Chapter 3 - The Dragon Teaching

  King's Wing

  King Wu asked Jiāng Zǐyá: “When the King commands the army he must have 'legs and arms' (top assistants) and 'feather and wings' (aides) to bring about his military greatness and spirituality. How should this be done?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá said: “Whenever one mobilizes the army, the commanding general should be the one giving orders. He must have an understanding of all aspects, not depending on one technique alone. In accord with their abilities, assign duties - each one taking charge of what they are good at, constantly changing and transforming the duties assigned with the times, to create the essential principles and order. Thus the general has seventy two assistants in order to respond to any events. Prepare the number according to the method, being careful that they know the orders and principles. When you have all the different abilities and various skills, then the myriad of affairs will be complete.”

  King Wu asked: “May I ask about the numbers?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá said: “Trusted aide, one: in charge of advising about secret plans for responding to sudden events; observe the signs from Heaven so as to eliminate sudden change; exercising general supervision over all planning; and protecting and preserving the lives of the people.

  “Advisors, five: responsible for preparing measures of security and against danger; anticipating the unforeseen; evaluating performance and ability of generals; announcing rewards and punishments; appointing ranks to officers; making difficult decisions; and determining what is advisable and what is not.

  “Astrologers, three: undertaking responsibility for the stars and calendar; observing the weather; predicting auspicious days and times; investigating signs and phenomena; verifying disasters and abnormalities; and knowing Heaven’s mind with regard to the moment for completing or abandonment.

  “Topographers, three: in charge of gathering information on the terrains that the army will pass by; precipitous and easy passages, both near and far; and water and dry land, mountains and defiles, so as not to lose the advantages of terrain.

  “Military Strategists, nine: responsible for discussing divergent views; analyzing the probable success or failure of various operations; selecting the weapons and then training men in their use; and identifying those who violate the ordinances.

  “Supply Officers, four: responsible for calculating the requirements for food and water; preparing the food stocks and supplies, and transporting the provisions along the route; and supplying the fives grains so as to ensure that the army will not suffer any hardship or shortage.

  “Guerilla Officers, four: responsible for picking men of talent and strength; disbursing weapons and armor; for setting up lightning fast attacks, so that the enemy does not know where they come from.

  “Signal Officers, three: responsible for the pennants and drums, for clearly signaling
to the eyes and ears; for creating deceptive signs and seals to issue false designation and orders; and for stealthily and hastily moving back and forth, going in and out like spirits.

  “'Limbs and Arms' (capable assistants), four: responsible for undertaking heavy duties and handling difficult tasks; for the repair and maintenance of ditches and moats; and for keeping the walls and ramparts in order to defend against and repel the enemy.

  “Liaison Officers, two: responsible for gathering what has been lost and supplementing what is in error; receiving honored guests; holding discussions and talks; mitigating disasters; and resolving difficulties.

  “Officers of Authority, three: responsible for implementing the unorthodox and deceptive; for establishing the different and unusual things that people do not recognize; and for putting into effect inexhaustible transformations.

  “Information Gatherer, seven: responsible for going everywhere, listening to what people are saying; and observing the officers in all directions, and gathering information on the army’s true circumstances.

  “'Claws and Teeth', five: responsible for raising military greatness; for stimulating and encouraging the army, causing them to risk danger and attack the enemy’s elite troops without ever having any doubts or second thoughts.

  “'Feathers and Wings', four: responsible for flourishing the name and fame of the army; for shaking distant lands with its image; and for moving all within the four borders in order to weaken the enemy’s spirit.

  “Roving Officers, eight: responsible for spying on enemy spies; manipulating the emotions of the enemy population; and observing the enemy’s thoughts. Basically they perform the function of spies and double agents.

  “Astrological Zealots, two: responsible for spreading slander and falsehoods and for calling on ghosts and spirits in order to confuse the minds of the populace.

  “Medical Officers, three: in charge of the medicines; managing blade wounds; and curing the various illnesses.

  “Accountants, two: responsible for accounting for the provisions and foodstuffs within the Three Armies’ encampments and ramparts; for the fiscal materials employed; and for receipts and disbursements.”

  武王问太公说：君主统帅军队必须有辅佐的人，以造成他非凡的威望，这该怎么办呢?

  太公说：一般用兵时统帅军队都以将帅作为司令，司令，重在通晓和掌握全面情况，而不在于专精某项技术。他应该量才录用各种人材，取其各种专长，使之根据情 况变化处理各项事务，这是统帅军队的根本所在。所以将帅要有助手七十二人，以便集中各种人才的智慧。只有这样去设置助手，才能做到全面而详细地掌握情况， 正确决择。使具有各种专门技术的人，都能发挥其智慧，各项任务也都可以圆满地完成了。

  武王问：请你再逐条详细地讲讲怎样？

  太公说：腹心一人。主管：参赞谋略，应付突然事变，观测天象，消除祸忍，总揽大计，保全民命；

  谋士五人。主管：谋划安定危局的措施，考虑尚未出现的形势变化，鉴定将士的品德才能，宣布赏罚，授予官位，决断疑难的问题，裁定事情的可否；

  天文三人。主管；观察天象，观测气候，推算时间，考察吉凶的征兆，查验灾害和意外事件，观察天意的顺逆。

  地利三人。主管：察明军队行军和驻止时的地形状况，分析利害消长，距离远近，地形险易、江河水情以及山势险阻等，使军队作不失地利；

  兵法九人，主管：探讨敌我形势的异同，分析作战胜负的条件，配备和训练各种兵器的使用，揭发非法行为；

  通粮四人。主管：计划给养，筹备储存，保证粮食运输，筹集五谷，使军队供应不发生困难；

  奋威四人。主管：选拔有才能的勇士，配发适用的兵器装备，组织突击部队以便风驰电掣，出其不意地打击敌人；

  伏鼓旗三人。主管：军中的旗鼓，统一视听信号，[以便指挥顺畅]；并制造假符节，发布假号令，[以迷惑敌人，]忽来忽往，神出鬼没。

  股肱四人。主管：规划保卫重地，守护要害工程，修筑沟堑壁垒，以备守御；

  通材三人。主管：指出将帅的过失，弥补他的疏漏，应对宾客，讨论问题，消除祸患，解决纠纷；

  权士三人。主管：施行诡诈奇谋，安排绝术奇技，不让敌人识破，进行无穷的变化，

  耳目七人。主管：在与敌人往来接触中，听风声，看动静，查明天下形势和敌军情况；

  瓜牙五人。主管：宣扬我军的军威，激励三军的斗志，使之冒险犯难，冲锋陷阵而无所疑惧；

  羽翼四人。主管：宣扬将仲的威名声誉，震骇远方，动摇邻国，削弱敌军的斗志；

  游士八人。主管：察出敌方奸细，探知敌国变乱，操纵敌国人心，观察敌方意图，进行间谍活动；

  术士二人。主管：使用奇诈，假托鬼神，瓦解敌军斗志；

  方士二人。主管各种药物，治疗创伤，医治疾病；

  法算二人。主管计算军队营垒、粮食和财用出入的数量及情况。

  Discussion of Generals

  King Wu asked Jiāng Zǐyá: “What should a general be?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá replied: “Generals should have the five important characteristics and should not have the ten flawed characters.”

  King Wu asked: “Can you please elaborate?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá elaborated: “What we refer to as the five important characteristics are courage, wisdom, benevolence, trustworthiness and loyalty. If he is courageous, he cannot be overwhelmed. If he is wise, he cannot be forced into turmoil. If he is benevolent, he will love his men. If he is trustworthy, he will not be deceitful. If he is loyal, he will always have the interest of the state.

  “What are referred to as the ten flawed characters are as follows: being courageous and treating death lightly; being hasty and impatient; being greedy and lusting for gains; being benevolent but unable to inflict punishment; being wise but afraid; being trustworthy and assuming others are also honest; being unscrupulous and incorruptible but not loving men; being wise but indecisive; being resolute and self-reliant; being fearful and very dependent on people.

  “One who is courageous and treats death lightly can be antagonized and destroyed. One who is hasty and impatient can be destroyed by dragging the war. One who is greedy and loves profit can be bribed. One who is benevolent but unable to inflict suffering can be worn down. One who is wise but fearful can be threatened.

  “One who is trustworthy and likes to trust others can be deceived. One who is scrupulous and incorruptible can be insulted. One who is wise but indecisive can carry surprise attack against him. One who is resolute and self-reliant can use words to pay obeisance to him. One who is fearful and likes to entrust responsibility to others can be tricked.

  “Thus Sun Tzu[5] made the statement: ‘War is of vital importance to the state, it is a matter of survival or extinction.’ And thus were created the sayings: ‘The fate of the state lies in the hands of the general’ and ‘the general is the pillar of the state.’ Thus, this position is what all former Kings valued. Thus in commissioning a general, you cannot but carefully evaluate and investigate his character.

  “Thus it is also said that two armies will not be victorious, nor will both be defeated. When the army ventures out beyond the borders, before they have been out ten days - even if a state has not perished - one army will certainly have been destroyed and the general killed.”

  King Wu exclaimed: “Marvelous!”

  武王问太公说：评论将帅的原则是什么？

  太公说：将帅需有五项才德和无十种缺点。

  武王说：请问它的具体内容？

  太公说：所谓五种才德是，勇敢、明智、仁慈、诚信和忠实。勇敢就不可侵犯，明智就不可扰乱，仁慈就�
��得众心，诚信就不欺骗别人，忠实就能一心为国。

  所谓十种缺点是：有勇猛而轻于牺牲的，有暴躁而急于求成的，有贪婪而好利的，有仁慈而流于姑息的，有聪明而胆小怕事的，有诚信而轻信别人的，有廉洁而近于刻薄的，有多谋而犹豫不决的，有坚强而刚愎自用的，有懦弱而依赖别人的。勇敢而轻于牺牲的，可以激怒而战胜他。急躁而急于求成的，可以持久作战拖垮他。贪婪而好利的，可以贿赂他。仁慈而流于姑息的可以袭扰疲惫他。聪明而胆小怕 事的，可以胁迫他。诚信而轻信别人的，可以欺骗他。廉洁而近于刻薄的，可以轻悔他。多谋而犹豫不决的，可以突然袭击他。坚强而刚愎自用的，可以用言词奉 承：他[使他轻举妄动，疏忽大意，然后打败他]。懦弱无能而好依赖别人的，可以愚弄他。

  战争，是国家的大事，它关系着国家的存亡，国家的命运就掌握在将帅的手里。将帅，是国家的辅佐，为历代君王所重视，因此任命将帅不可不反复审察。所以说： 战争的双方不可能都取得胜利，也不可能都失败。只要军队一越出国境，不出十日，不是一方亡国就必然是另一方破军杀将。

  武王说：好极了！

  Selecting Generals

  King Wu asked Jiāng Zǐyá: “If a King wants to raise an army, how should he go about selecting and generals and determining qualifications?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá said: “There are fifteen cases where a general’s external appearance and internal character are not coherent. These are: