Hu Tao: Seizing and Securing Territories

King Wu asked Grand Duke Jiang:"After our victorious advance deep into enemy territory, we have seized their lands, yet major cities remain unconquered. The enemy retains a force outside these cities, holding strategic positions to confront us. If we besiege the cities, we fear their external troops will launch a sudden attack, coordinating with the defenders inside to trap us between two fronts. This would throw our army into chaos, with officers and soldiers gripped by panic. How should we act?" Grand Duke Jiang replied:"When besieging cities, deploy chariots and cavalry at a distance to blockade and guard against reinforcements, severing all communication between the enemy inside and outside. Over time, the city’s grain reserves will deplete, and no external supplies can enter. Desperation will spread among the populace, and the defending commander will have no choice but to surrender." King Wu asked:"If the city’s grain runs out and no aid arrives, yet the enemy secretly plots a breakout—launching a desperate night assault with their elite chariots and cavalry,......