Long Tao: Li Jiang (Appointing Generals)

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
“What is the ceremony for appointing a supreme commander?”

Tai Gong replied:
“When the state faces peril, the ruler avoids the main hall and summons the commander in a side chamber, declaring: ‘The survival of our state now rests upon your shoulders. A rebel kingdom [X] has risen—lead our armies to subdue it.’

After accepting the mandate, the ruler orders the Grand Astrologer to divine through tortoise shells, observes a three-day ritual fast, and proceeds to the imperial ancestral temple to select an auspicious day for conferring the ceremonial battle-axe (fu yue).

On the chosen day, the ruler enters the temple gate facing west, while the commander enters facing north. The ruler grasps the blade of the yue axe, handing its handle to the commander, proclaiming:
‘From this moment, all affairs above the heavens lie in your hands.’

Next, the ruler holds the handle of the fu axe, presenting its blade to the commander, declaring:
‘From this moment, all matters beneath the abyss are yours to command.’

He then decrees:
‘Advance when the enemy weakens; halt when they strengthen. Do not underestimate foes for their numbers, nor sacrifice lives recklessly for grandeur. Never scorn subordinates for your rank, defy consensus for your opinions, or flaunt eloquence as wisdom. Sit only after your soldiers sit; eat only after they eat. Share their hardships—heat and cold alike. Thus, they will fight unto death.’

The commander bows and responds:
‘I have heard: State affairs tolerate no external meddling; war permits no remote control from the court. A subject with divided loyalties cannot serve his sovereign faithfully, nor can a general shackled by doubt confront the enemy resolutely. Having received this sacred authority, I shall not return without victory. Grant me full autonomy as decreed—without it, I dare not accept this duty.’

Once the ruler consents, the commander departs to lead the army. Henceforth:

• All military affairs obey the commander, not the sovereign.

• In battle, focus remains unbroken.

Thus, the commander becomes:

• Unbound by heaven’s constraints or earth’s obstacles,

• Unchallenged ahead, unhindered by the throne behind.

Outcome:

• Strategists volunteer counsel; warriors fight fearlessly.

• Morale soars skyward; movements outpace galloping steeds.

• Victory is secured before engagement—enemies yield without clash.

Result:

• Triumph abroad; glory at court.

• Officers rise in rank; soldiers receive rewards.

• People rejoice; the commander remains unscathed.

• Seasons harmonize; harvests flourish; the state finds peace.”

King Wu said:
“Magnificent!”