Hu Tao: Confronting the Border

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
"When our army and the enemy confront each other at the border, both sides maintain solid formations—neither dares to strike first. The enemy may attack us, and we may attack them. I wish to launch a surprise assault, yet fear the enemy might do the same. What should we do?"

Tai Gong replied:
"Divide our forces into three contingents: forward, central, and rear. Command the forward troops to dig deep trenches and erect high ramparts. Let them hold position without engaging, displaying formidable banners and beating war drums to feign readiness. Order the rear contingent to stockpile supplies in secret, concealing our intentions. Then dispatch the elite central force to strike the enemy's heart—unexpected and unprepared. When the enemy cannot discern our strategy, they will cease their movements and dare not advance."

King Wu asked:
"But if the enemy detects our plans, anticipates our actions, and deploys crack troops to ambush us in dense foliage, block narrow passes, or attack our vulnerabilities—what then?"

Tai Gong answered:
"Send our forward troops daily to challenge the enemy, exhausting their resolve. Command the aged and infirm to drag branches, stir dust, beat drums, and simulate troop movements—appearing now on the enemy's left, now on their right, never beyond a hundred paces. Through relentless harassment, their commanders will grow weary, their soldiers terrified. Thus, they will not dare attack. Continue disrupting them—strike their flanks, penetrate their core—then unleash our full force. Victory shall be assured."