必出

King Wu asked Taigong: "If we lead our army deep into hostile territory and the enemy converges from all sides to encircle us, cuts off our route home and our food supply, is numerous and well-provisioned, and holds strong defensive positions — if we absolutely must break out, what should be done?" Taigong said: "The method of certain escape treats equipment as paramount and courageous fighting as foremost. Carefully identify the enemy's weak points and unguarded areas — these are where you can certainly break out. Officers and soldiers carry black banners, wield their weapons, and place gag-bits between their teeth. Move out at night. Brave, swift, and daring soldiers lead the way to clear the ramparts and open a path for the army. Elite crossbowmen serve as ambush troops in the rear. Weaker soldiers and chariots stay in the center. When the formation is complete, advance slowly and take care not to cause alarm. Use Martial Assault Fushi to guard front and rear, and Martial Wing Great Shields to screen left and right. If the enemy is startled, the brave and daring soldiers strike forward with full force; the weaker soldiers and chariots follow behind them; the elite crossbowmen remain hidden in ambush positions. When you have confirmed the enemy is pursuing, the ambush troops strike hard at their rear, with fires blazing and drums thundering as if rising from the earth or descending from heaven. The three armies fight with fury, and nothing can withstand us."

King Wu said: "If there is a great river, wide moat, or deep pit ahead, and I wish to cross but have no boats or oars, while the enemy camps at their ramparts blocking my front, seals my route home, maintains constant scouting vigilance, guards every pass, with chariots and cavalry blocking my front and elite soldiers striking my rear — what should be done?" Taigong said: "Great rivers, wide moats, and deep pits are places the enemy does not guard, or if they guard them, the garrison must be small. In such cases, use Flying River pontoons, winch pulleys, and Heaven's Pool boats to ferry the army across. Brave and elite soldiers follow my direction, charging through the enemy and breaking their formations, each one resolved to fight to the death. First burn our supply wagons and provisions, and announce clearly to all officers and soldiers: fight bravely and you live, fail to fight and you die. Once we have broken out, order the trailing forces to set signal fires as distant sentinels, sheltering among trees, burial mounds, and rough terrain. The enemy's chariots and cavalry will not dare pursue far. Use the fires as markers — those who break out first halt at the fire positions and form the Four Martial Assault Formation. Thus our three armies will all fight as elite and courageous warriors, and nothing can stop us." King Wu said: "Excellent!"