Observe the Fire on the Opposite Bank

Watch the Fire from the Other Bank When the enemy’s internal contradictions have openly intensified and order has fallen into chaos, our side should remain quietly observant and wait for the enemy to move further toward rebellion and division. When the enemy runs rampant with tyranny and slaughters one another, his momentum is destined for self-destruction. By acting in accord with this natural trend and making unhurried preparations, one may obtain good results with the flow of events. Allusion:After the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao died of grief and resentment, and his sons Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang fell into internal strife over the right of succession. Cao Cao adopted Guo Jia’s judgment that “if pressed, they will rescue each other; if left alone, they will contend with each other,” and feigned a march south, leaving the Yuan brothers to fight among themselves. Yuan Tan, unable to prevail, sought help from Cao Cao. Cao Cao advanced slowly and did not strike until both sides were exhausted; he first took Ye, then had Yuan Tan killed. Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi fled to......