Bao Tao: Bird Cloud Marsh Warfare

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
"When leading troops deep into enemy territory, we face the enemy across a river. They have abundant supplies and a large force, while we lack resources and are outnumbered. I wish to cross the river and attack but lack the strength to advance. If I delay, we will run out of provisions. Moreover, our army is stranded in a barren, saline wasteland—no cities, no vegetation, no means to forage supplies, and no pastures for our oxen and horses. What should we do?"

Tai Gong replied:
"When an army lacks preparation, livestock have no fodder, and soldiers face starvation, you must seize opportunities to deceive the enemy. Swiftly relocate your forces while setting ambushes behind to repel any pursuers."

King Wu asked:
"But if the enemy sees through our ruse, and our soldiers grow fearful and confused—with the enemy pressing us from both front and rear—what if our entire army collapses and flees?"

Tai Gong answered:
"In such a case, the key to retreat lies in luring the enemy with treasures—scatter gold and valuables for them to plunder, and bribe their envoys. This must be executed meticulously, ensuring the enemy remains unaware."

King Wu asked:
"What if the enemy detects our ambush and refuses to send their main force across the river, instead dispatching only a small detachment to attack us? If our army panics, how should we respond?"

Tai Gong said:
"Deploy your troops in the 'Four-Sided Assault Formation,' positioning them where the terrain favors combat. Once the enemy's entire detachment has crossed, unleash your ambush, striking their flanks and rear with ferocity. Have crossbowmen rain arrows on their left and right wings. Simultaneously, arrange your chariots and cavalry into the 'Bird Cloud Formation,' guarding your front and rear to ensure a relentless assault. When the enemy sees their vanguard engaged, their main force will inevitably rush across the river. At this moment, spring your ambush—attack their rear and flanks, and charge their ranks with chariots and cavalry. Though the enemy may be vast in number, they will surely be crushed, and their commander will flee.

The fundamental principle of warfare is this: When facing the enemy in battle, always array your troops in assault formations on advantageous ground, then deploy chariots and cavalry in the 'Bird Cloud Formation.' This is the art of achieving victory through unpredictability. The 'Bird Cloud' mimics the scatter of birds and the shift of clouds—adaptable, fluid, and boundless in its variations."

King Wu exclaimed:
"Excellent!"