Quan Tao: Dividing the Forces

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
"When a ruler leads an army on campaign, with the Three Armies dispersed across multiple locations, how should the commander coordinate their assembly by a set date to engage the enemy? How should he issue orders to all officers and troops, clarify rewards and punishments, and ensure discipline?"

Tai Gong replied:
"The art of warfare, when commanding vast forces, inevitably involves dispersing and concentrating troops according to strategic needs. The commander must first fix the battle’s location and date. He then delivers written orders to all generals, explicitly stating:

• The cities to besiege or attack,

• The assembly points for each division,

• The designated battle date and precise arrival times.

The commander must arrive early at the assembly site to establish fortifications, deploy formations, and erect a gnomon* at the camp gate to track the sun’s shadow and measure time. All unauthorized movement is forbidden while awaiting the officers' arrival.

When the officers arrive, verify their order of appearance:

• Those arriving early shall be rewarded.

• Those arriving late shall be publicly executed.

This ensures all units, whether near or far, converge on time. Once the Three Armies are fully assembled, their combined strength can be unleashed against the enemy."

King Wu said:
"Understood."