六韜 Liutao · Chapter 49
Few Against Many
Using Few Against Many, Weak Against Strong
武王問太公曰：「吾欲以少擊眾，以弱擊強，為之奈何？」太公曰：「以少擊眾者，必以日之暮，伏於深草，要之隘路；以弱擊強者，必得大國之與，鄰國之助。」
King Wu asked Taigong: "I wish to use few troops against many, and weak forces against strong. How should this be done?" Taigong said: "To use few against many, you must wait for dusk, lie in ambush amid deep grass, and intercept them on a narrow road. To use weak against strong, you must obtain the support of a great power and the aid of neighboring states."
Without Cover, Without Allies
武王曰：「我無深草，又無隘路，敵人已至，不適日暮；我無大國之與，又無鄰國之助。為之奈何？」太公曰：「妄張詐誘，以惑其將，迂其途，令過深草，遠其路，令會日暮，前行未渡水，後行未及舍，發我伏兵，疾擊其左右，車騎擾亂其前後，敵人雖眾，其將可走。事大國之君，下鄰國之士，厚其幣，卑其辭，如此，則得大國之與鄰國之助矣。」武王曰：「善哉！」
King Wu said: "If I have no deep grass and no narrow roads, the enemy has already arrived and it is not yet dusk; I have no great power's support and no neighboring state's aid. What should be done?" Taigong said: "Spread false displays and deceptive lures to confuse their general. Lead them on a circuitous route so they pass through deep grass. Extend their march so they arrive at dusk — their vanguard has not yet crossed the river, their rear guard has not yet reached camp. Then launch our ambush troops, striking hard at their flanks, while chariots and cavalry throw their front and rear into confusion. Even if the enemy is numerous, their general can be routed. As for great powers and neighbors: serve the ruler of the great state, defer to the officials of neighboring states, offer generous gifts and humble words. In this way, you will gain the support of the great power and the aid of your neighbors." King Wu said: "Excellent!"