Wen Tao: The Way of Military

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
"What are the principles of warfare?"

Tai Gong replied:
"The foremost principle of warfare lies in unified command. With unified command, an army moves freely and becomes invincible. Huangdi said: 'Unity of command aligns with the laws of warfare, approaching the realm of divine subtlety.' To apply this principle, seize the opportune moment; to manifest it, leverage strategic advantage; to succeed in it, rely on the sovereign. Thus, ancient sage-kings called war a tool of calamity, to be used only as a last resort.

The King of Shang now knows only that his state exists, unaware it teeters on ruin; he indulges in pleasure, blind to impending disaster. A state’s survival depends not on its present existence, but on planning for danger in times of safety; a ruler’s enjoyment lies not in momentary revelry, but in remaining vigilant amidst joy. Since you have already grasped the root of survival and peril, why fret over trivialities?"

King Wu asked:
"When two armies face each other—neither able to attack nor retreat, both entrenched in defense, neither daring to strike first—how can I assault the enemy without advantageous conditions?"

Tai Gong answered:
"Feign disorder outwardly while maintaining strict discipline within; pretend scarcity of supplies while stockpiling abundantly; appear weak while concealing formidable strength. Deploy troops in shifting formations—now united, now dispersed—to confuse the enemy with apparent disarray. Conceal your plans, fortify your walls, and deploy elite troops in ambush. Move silently, leaving no trace, so the enemy cannot discern your deployments. To strike from the west, first feign an attack from the east."

King Wu asked:
"What if the enemy discerns our situation and unravels our strategies?"

Tai Gong said:
"The key to victory lies in meticulously scouting the enemy, seizing fleeting opportunities, and striking swiftly with the element of surprise."