Quan Tao: Infantry Combat

King Wu asked Tai Gong: "What are the methods for infantry to engage in combat against chariots and cavalry?" Tai Gong replied: "When infantry confront chariots and cavalry, they must deploy in formations utilizing hills and dangerous terrain. Position long weapons and powerful crossbows in the front ranks, with short weapons and lighter bows in the rear. Rotate troops in shifts to maintain continuous combat readiness. When enemy chariots and cavalry arrive in great numbers, hold your ground firmly and fight tenaciously, while positioning elite archers with strong bows to guard the rear." King Wu inquired: "If we have neither hills nor dangerous terrain to rely on, and the enemy forces arriving are both numerous and powerful - with chariots and cavalry attacking our flanks and assaulting our front and rear, causing panic throughout our army and potential rout - what should we do then?" Tai Gong responded: "Order your soldiers to construct mobile barriers (xingma) and wooden caltrops. Gather oxen and horses together in groups, and form infantry into square assault......