絕道

King Wu asked Taigong: "If we lead our army deep into hostile territory and face the enemy in a standoff, and the enemy cuts our supply lines and also maneuvers around our front and rear — if we fight we cannot win, if we hold position we cannot endure. What should be done?" Taigong said: "Whenever you advance deep into enemy territory, you must survey the lay of the land and seek every advantage. Rely on mountain forests, natural obstacles, springs, and timber to establish strong positions. Guard passes and bridges carefully, and understand the advantages offered by cities, burial mounds, and terrain features. Under these conditions, our army will be secure — the enemy will be unable to cut our supply lines or maneuver around our front and rear."

King Wu said: "If our three armies pass through great forests, broad marshes, or level open ground, and our lookouts fail so that we suddenly collide with the enemy — if we fight we cannot win, if we defend we cannot hold, and the enemy flanks us on both sides and maneuvers around our front and rear so that the three armies are greatly alarmed — what should be done?" Taigong said: "The method of commanding an army requires first dispatching distant scouts, two hundred li from the enemy, to ascertain precisely where the enemy is. If the terrain is unfavorable, use Martial Assault wagons as mobile ramparts and advance behind them. Also station two trailing forces to the rear — the far one at a hundred li, the near one at fifty li. When an emergency arises, front and rear forces rescue each other. Our three armies will always remain intact and secure, suffering no damage." King Wu said: "Excellent!"