敵武

King Wu asked Taigong: "If we lead our army deep into hostile territory and suddenly encounter a large and martial enemy force, with war chariots and fierce cavalry encircling our left and right — our three armies all panicking, the rout unstoppable — what should be done?" Taigong said: "Such a situation is called 'a routed army.' A skilled commander turns it into victory; an unskilled one perishes." King Wu said: "What should be done?" Taigong said: "Conceal our elite soldiers and powerful crossbows, together with war chariots and fierce cavalry, on both flanks, always staying three li ahead of and behind the main force. When the enemy pursues us, launch our chariots and cavalry to strike their flanks. Under these conditions, the enemy will fall into disorder and our fleeing troops will halt of their own accord."

King Wu said: "If the enemy and we have comparable chariots and cavalry, but the enemy outnumbers us and is stronger — they advance in disciplined, elite formations that our battle lines cannot withstand — what should be done?" Taigong said: "Select our elite soldiers and powerful crossbows and conceal them on both flanks. Station chariots and cavalry in a solid formation. When the enemy passes our ambush positions, mass crossbow fire on their flanks. Then our chariots and elite soldiers strike their army with speed — some hitting the front, others hitting the rear. Even if the enemy is numerous, their general will certainly flee." King Wu said: "Excellent!"