Hu Tao: Inevitable Breakout

King Wu asked Tai Gong, "When leading troops deep into enemy territory, if the enemy surrounds us on all sides, cuts off our retreat, blocks our supply routes, and occupies fortified positions with superior numbers and ample provisions—how can we break through such an encirclement?"

Tai Gong replied, "The key to breaking a siege lies in superior equipment and fearless resolve. First, identify the enemy’s weakest points and undefended gaps. Strike there to create an opening. Deploy your forces as follows:

• Have all soldiers carry black flags, hold their weapons, silence their voices, and move under cover of darkness.

• Send daring vanguards to assault enemy outposts and clear a path.

• Position skilled archers with powerful crossbows in hidden ambush to cover the rear.

• Place the elderly, weak, and chariots in the center.

Advance calmly and methodically. Protect the flanks with ‘Wu Chong Fu Jin’ chariots and the rear with ‘Wu Yi Da Lu’ shielded chariots. If the enemy detects your movement, the vanguard must charge fiercely, followed by the main force. Meanwhile, the hidden archers should ambush pursuing enemies, using fire and drums to sow chaos—making our troops seem to ‘rise from the earth and descend from heaven.’ With unified ferocity, no enemy can withstand this!"

King Wu pressed further, "What if we face a wide river, deep trenches, or pits, with no boats, and the enemy blocks our advance and retreat with fortified camps, vigilant scouts, chariots, and cavalry?"

Tai Gong answered, "Natural barriers are rarely heavily guarded. Even if defended, their forces will be sparse. Use floating bridges (飞江), mobile pontoons (转关), and celestial rafts (天潢) to cross. Dispatch valiant warriors to spearhead the assault, burning our own supplies to signal: ‘Fight to survive; retreat means death.’ Once across, set smoke signals, secure forests and high ground, and form the ‘Four-Sided Guard Formation’ (四武冲阵). This display of unity and ferocity will deter enemy pursuit."

King Wu exclaimed, "Magnificent!"