Hu Tao: Gongs and Drums

King Wu asked Grand Duke Jiang:"When leading an army deep into enemy territory, where forces are evenly matched, during extreme cold or heat, or when torrential rains persist day and night for ten days without cease—causing trenches and fortifications to collapse, mountain passes to become indefensible, scouts to grow negligent, and soldiers to lower their guard—if the enemy launches a night assault under these conditions, catching our entire army unprepared and throwing officers and troops into confusion, how should we respond?" Grand Duke Jiang replied:"An army that maintains vigilance remains unshaken; one that grows lax faces certain defeat. Ensure that passwords echo continuously across our camps, sentries hold flags to signal internally and externally, commands are relayed without pause, and the sounds of gongs and drums never cease. Soldiers must remain facing the enemy, ready to engage at any moment. Organize every 3,000 men into a fortified unit, strictly disciplined and vigilant. If the enemy attacks and sees our unyielding preparedness, even if they......