兵道

King Wu asked Taigong: 'What is the way of war?' Taigong said: 'The way of war is nothing beyond unity. Unity is what enables one to go and come alone. The Yellow Emperor said: "Unity is the step toward the Way, the approach to the divine." Its application lies in seizing the critical moment, its display lies in strategic momentum, its accomplishment lies in the ruler. Therefore the sage-kings called weapons instruments of ill omen, to be used only when unavoidable. Now the king of Shang knows how to survive but not how to perish; he knows pleasure but not calamity. True survival does not lie in mere survival — it lies in planning for destruction. True pleasure does not lie in mere pleasure — it lies in anticipating calamity. Now that the king has already thought about the source, why worry about the stream?'

King Wu asked: 'When two armies face each other, neither able to advance, each establishing firm defenses, neither daring to strike first — I wish to attack but cannot find an opening. What should be done?' Taigong said: 'Appear disorderly on the outside but be organized within. Display hunger but in fact be well-fed. Be sharp within but appear dull without. Now unite, now separate; now concentrate, now disperse. Keep your plans hidden, your timing secret. Build your ramparts high and conceal your elite troops. Let the soldiers be so quiet that no sound is heard, so the enemy cannot know your dispositions. If you want him to look west, strike from the east.' King Wu asked: 'If the enemy knows our situation and penetrates our plans, what then?' Taigong said: 'The art of military victory lies in closely observing the enemy's critical moments, swiftly exploiting his openings, and striking again where he does not expect it.'