突戰

King Wu asked Taigong: "If the enemy drives deep into our territory in a long raid, plundering our land, seizing our cattle and horses, their main army arriving to press against our city walls — our soldiers are greatly frightened, our people bound and taken captive — if I wish to make our defense solid and ensure victory in battle, what should be done?" Taigong said: "Such a situation is called a sudden assault. Their cattle and horses will inevitably go unfed, their soldiers will run out of provisions. Strike violently and press forward. Order our distant garrisons and detached forces to select their best soldiers and strike hard at the enemy's rear. Set the timing precisely — the rendezvous must be on a moonless night. When the three armies fight with fury, even if the enemy is numerous, their general can be captured."

King Wu said: "If the enemy divides into three or four groups, some fighting and plundering our land while others halt to seize our cattle and horses, and their main army has not yet fully arrived but raiders are already pressing against our city walls, so that our three armies are frightened — what should be done?" Taigong said: "Carefully observe — before the enemy has fully assembled, prepare defenses and wait for them. Build ramparts four li from the city, with gongs, drums, banners, and flags all arrayed. Station separate units as ambush troops. Stack powerful crossbows in quantity on our ramparts, placing a sally port every hundred paces with mobile barriers at each gate. Position chariots and cavalry outside, with brave and elite soldiers concealed in ambush. When the enemy arrives, send our light troops to engage and then feign retreat. Display banners on our city walls and beat drums as if preparing only to defend. The enemy, thinking we are merely holding the city, will certainly press close to our walls. Then launch our ambush troops to strike their center while others attack their perimeter. The three armies fight with fury, some striking the front, others the rear. The brave cannot fight and the swift cannot flee. This is called sudden battle. Even if the enemy is numerous, their general will certainly flee." King Wu said: "Excellent!"