Hu Tao: Firestorm Tactics

King Wu asked Grand Duke Jiang:
"When leading troops deep into enemy territory, we encounter dense thickets surrounding our forces. After marching hundreds of li, our men and horses are exhausted and must camp. The enemy exploits the dry weather and swift winds to set fires upwind, while their chariots and elite troops lie in ambush behind us. This terrorizes our army, scattering our ranks. How should we respond?"

Grand Duke Jiang replied:
"In such a scenario, erect cloud ladders and watchtowers at the camp to survey the surroundings. If the enemy ignites fires, immediately set ablaze the open ground far ahead of our position, expanding the burned area. Simultaneously, burn the terrain behind us to create a scorched zone. If the enemy attacks, retreat to this blackened land and hold firm. When the advancing enemy finds themselves trapped between our forces and the spreading flames, they will retreat. Deploy your troops on the scorched earth, protecting the flanks with crossbow-wielding elites, and continue burning the grasslands ahead and behind. Thus, the enemy cannot harm us."

King Wu asked:
"But what if the enemy sets fires to our left, right, front, and rear, engulfing us in smoke, then launches a full assault on our scorched position?"

Grand Duke Jiang answered:
"In that case, form the Four-Sided Assault Formation (四武冲阵), shielding the flanks with heavy crossbows. This tactic may not secure victory, but it will prevent defeat."