Long Tao: Yīn Fú (Yin Talisman)

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
"When leading the army deep into enemy territory, if the entire force suddenly faces urgent circumstances—whether advantageous or harmful—how can I swiftly communicate between distant fronts, coordinate domestic support with foreign operations, and adapt to the needs of the troops?"

Tai Gong replied:
"The sovereign grants the commander eight types of secret tallies: A one-chi tally signifies 'total victory and annihilation of the enemy'; a nine-cun tally signifies 'routing the enemy and capturing their general'; an eight-cun tally signifies 'forcing the enemy’s surrender and seizing their cities'; a seven-cun tally signifies 'repelling the enemy and reporting battlefield developments'; a six-cun tally signifies 'fortifying defenses and rallying the people'; a five-cun tally signifies 'requesting provisions and reinforcements'; a four-cun tally signifies 'reporting defeat and the death of commanders'; a three-cun tally signifies 'reporting setbacks and heavy casualties.'

Any messenger entrusted with these tallies who delays, leaks secrets, or spreads unauthorized intelligence—whether listener or gossip—shall be executed. These eight tallies are held secretly by the sovereign and commander to covertly relay messages without exposing court or battlefield secrets. Even the enemy’s most cunning wisdom cannot unravel their mystery."

King Wu said:
"Brilliant!"