Hu Tao: Military Stratagems

King Wu asked Tai Gong, "When leading troops deep into enemy territory, if we encounter deep ravines, impassable rivers, or sudden torrential rains that flood the terrain—trapping part of the army without boats, bridges, or materials to dam the waters—how can we ensure the entire force crosses swiftly without prolonged delay?"

Tai Gong replied, "An army worthy of a sovereign king never neglects three principles: meticulous planning, preparation of tools, and rigorous training.

• For sieges, deploy siege engines like Fen Yun (轒辒) assault towers, Lin Che (临车) scaling ladders, and Chong Che (冲车) battering rams.

• For reconnaissance, use cloud ladders to observe cities and flying towers (飞楼) to monitor enemy movements.

• For marching and encampment, shield the army’s flanks with Wu Chong (武冲) chariots and Da Lu (大橹) armored screens.

• To block enemy routes, position skilled crossbowmen with powerful bolts.

• To fortify camps, surround them with Tian Luo (天罗) nets, Wu Luo (武落) barriers, Xing Ma (行马) spiked obstacles, and Ji Li (蒺藜) caltrops.

• By day, signal with multicolored banners from watchtowers; by night, use fire beacons, thunder drums (雷鼓), hand drums (鼙鼓), bells (大铎), and reed pipes (鸣笳) for commands.

• Cross trenches with flying bridges (飞桥) and winch systems (辘轳); traverse rivers with celestial rafts (天潢) and pontoon barges (飞江); navigate rapids with buoyant seals (浮海) and river-spanning cables (绝江).

When all tools and tactics are mastered, what concern remains for a commander?"