Hu Tao: Military Equipment

King Wu asked Tai Gong: 

"When a ruler raises an army for war, the types and quantities of military equipment, offensive and defensive instruments—are there established standards for these?"

Tai Gong replied: 

"Your question touches upon a matter of great importance! The categories and numbers of such instruments differ according to their purpose, and these distinctions determine the army’s strength and effectiveness."

King Wu said: 

"I wish to hear the details."

Tai Gong answered: 

"In military operations, there are general standards for equipment. For an army of ten thousand armored warriors, the required instruments include:

• Thirty-six Wu Chong Da Fu Xu chariots, guarded on both sides by skilled warriors wielding crossbows, spears, and halberds. Each chariot is pushed by twenty-four men. Its wheels stand eight chi high, with flags and drums mounted atop. These ‘Thunder Chariots’ can shatter enemy formations and crush strong foes.

• Seventy-two Wu Yi Da Lu chariots, protected by warriors with crossbows, spears, and halberds. Their five-chi-high wheels are equipped with winch-mounted repeating crossbows, capable of breaking through fortified lines.

• One hundred and forty Ti Yi Xiao Lu Fu Xu chariots with single wheels and winch-operated crossbows, designed to destabilize enemy ranks.

• Thirty-six Da Huang Can Lian Wan Da Fu Ken chariots, flanked by warriors bearing crossbows and spears, flying crimson and azure banners—Fei Fu (Flying Duck) by day and Liu Xing (Shooting Star) by night. These instill terror in the enemy.

• Thirty-six Da Fu Xu Chong Che ‘Mantis Chariots,’ carrying elite troops to charge and scatter adversaries.

• Zi Che Kou Qi ‘Lightning Chariots,’ used for rapid strikes against infantry and cavalry.

For night raids, deploy 160 Mao Ji Fu Xu chariots with Mantis warriors, termed ‘Thunderbolt Assaults.’ Weapons like the twelve-jin iron Tian Bang mace, eight-jin Tian Yue axe, and eight-jin Tian Chui hammer—each with long hafts—numbering 1,200 of each type, are critical against enemy foot and horse.

Flying hooks, eight cun in length, are hurled to ensnare foes. Defensive tools include Mu Tang Lang barriers (120 units) to block chariots, wooden caltrops to impede movement, and Zhou Xuan chariots modeled after those used by the Yellow Emperor to defeat Chi You. Iron caltrops, ground nets, and Can Lian Zhi Nv traps are deployed in narrow passes.

Camp defenses require twelve spear-and-shield units at gates, Tian Luo Hu Luo barriers (120 units), and Hu Luo Jian Ren chariots (520 units). For crossing moats, floating bridges (Fei Qiao) and Tian Fu pontoons linked by iron chains are essential. In mountainous terrain, construct Hu Luo Chai Ying palisades with iron chains and ropes.

Rain covers for supply carts, axes, hoes, hammers, rakes, sickles, and iron stakes ensure logistical readiness. Ten thousand soldiers require 6,000 crossbows, 2,000 halberd-and-shield sets, 2,000 spear-and-shield pairs, and 300 skilled craftsmen to maintain equipment."

King Wu said: 

"Truly, this is comprehensive!"

Note: Measurements like chi (≈23 cm), cun (≈2.3 cm), and jin (≈0.5 kg) follow traditional Chinese units.