鳥雲澤兵

King Wu asked Taigong: "If we lead our army deep into hostile territory and face the enemy across a body of water — the enemy wealthy and numerous, we poor and few — if we cross the water to strike, we cannot advance; if we try to wait them out, our provisions are scarce. We are camped on barren salt flats with no towns nearby and no trees or grass. The three armies have nothing to forage, and our cattle and horses have no pasture. What should be done?" Taigong said: "When the three armies lack supplies, cattle and horses have no feed, and soldiers have no provisions — in such a case, seek a pretext to deceive the enemy and withdraw swiftly, leaving ambush troops behind."

King Wu said: "If the enemy cannot be deceived, our soldiers are confused, the enemy maneuvers around our front and rear, and our three armies are routed — what should be done?" Taigong said: "The method for finding a way out takes gold and jade as its chief instrument. You must work through the enemy's envoys — subtlety and finesse are the true treasures."

King Wu said: "If the enemy knows about our ambush and the main army refuses to cross, but detached commanders divide their forces to ford the water — our three armies are greatly alarmed. What should be done?" Taigong said: "In such a case, form assault formations and deploy troops where convenient. Wait until the enemy has fully emerged from the water, then launch our ambush troops to strike hard at their rear while powerful crossbows on both sides shoot into their flanks. Divide chariots and cavalry into the Bird Cloud Formation, guarding front and rear. The three armies fight with fury. When the enemy sees our forces engaged, their main army will certainly cross the water to join. Then launch our ambush troops to strike hard at their rear while chariots and cavalry charge their flanks. Even if the enemy is numerous, their general can be routed. The great essential of employing troops is this: when facing the enemy on the verge of battle, always establish assault formations and deploy troops where convenient. Then divide chariots and cavalry into the Bird Cloud Formation — this is the unorthodox art of warfare. What is meant by 'Bird Cloud' is this: scattering like birds and gathering like clouds, transforming without end." King Wu said: "Excellent!"