The Fifth Chapter: What Cannot Be Attacked, Second十五

兩師相去數裡，見敵兵疲弱懈怠，號令不肅，僉謂敵人可擊也；而我未備知敵地之形勢，或汪汙坳沮，或曲道相伏，高下相承，叢林茂草。當慮敵示弱而匿其強，示不肅而藏其整，示無謀而匿其智，示遠而弊在近。如是而敵久不退者，必有奇謀，一不可擊也。

Two armies are several miles apart, and they see the enemy's soldiers are tired and careless, their commands not strict. Everyone says the enemy can be attacked. However, our side has not yet fully understood the terrain where the enemy is. There may be waterlogged lowlands or muddy swamps, or winding paths suitable for ambushes. The ground is uneven with high and low areas, and there are thick forests and deep grass. At this time, we should consider: the enemy may be showing weakness while hiding their strength, appearing disorderly while actually being well-disciplined, seeming to lack strategy while actually possessing cunning plans, and pretending to be far away while the danger is actually nearby. If the enemy remains for a long time without retreating, they must surely have some strange plan. This is the first situation in which an attack should not be made.

合戰未久，敵師未甚傷殘，即棄其鼓旗疾奔者，勿逐之，必有伏兵，二不可擊也。我之生口為敵所獲，一旦遁歸，以敵事語我；或獲敵生口，亦以敵事語我，皆敵謀也，勿信之，三不可擊也。敵師乘勢鼓行進攻於我，則勒兵堅陣待之〈候其氣衰〉。此乘勢之兵，氣威鋒銳，與戰必不利，四不可擊也。敵結陣不顧死絕之地，而鼓旗整肅者，五不可擊也。

After a brief battle, if the enemy has not suffered much loss and then abandons their drums and banners to flee hastily, do not pursue them, for there must be an ambush set, which is the second situation where attack is not advisable. If prisoners captured by the enemy suddenly return and inform us of the enemy's situation, or if enemy prisoners captured by us voluntarily reveal enemy information, these may be traps set by the enemy; do not take them lightly, which is the third situation where attack is not advisable. If the enemy, with the momentum of a victory, drums loudly and advances to attack us, we should restrain our troops and form a solid formation to wait for them (original note: wait until their momentum wanes). Such an army advancing on momentum has great strength and sharp momentum; fighting them will surely be disadvantageous, which is the fourth situation where attack is not advisable. If the enemy forms a formation but does not fear being in a dead-end position, yet still keeps their drums and banners in order, this is the fifth situation where attack is not advisable.

太公曰：智與眾同，非人師也；伎與眾同，非國工也。動莫神於不意，勝莫大於不識。孫子曰：善戰者，其勢險，其節短。率謂異諸常也。是以善用兵者，其異有五：一曰險，二曰輕，三曰危，四曰愚，五曰畏。

The *Six Secret Teachings* records Tai Gong saying: If one's wisdom is the same as that of ordinary people, he is not worthy to be the teacher of the people; if one's skills are the same as those of ordinary people, he is not worthy to be called a master craftsman in the country. Action has no greater mystery than being unexpected, and victory has no greater achievement than being unseen. The *Art of War* by Sun Tzu, in the chapter on *Form*, says: "A good fighter creates a situation that is perilous, and employs a rhythm that is brief." — A skilled fighter creates a dangerous situation and uses a short, abrupt rhythm. These all speak of doing things differently from the usual way. Therefore, a skilled military commander differs from others in five ways: first, danger; second, lightness; third, peril; fourth, foolishness; fifth, fear.

窮途邃谷，死絕之地；敗壘夷壁，馳突之所。眾以險也去焉，我當內軍固陣，外若不整，以誘敵；內嚴部伍，外若有畏，以驕敵。彼既不識，隱之以變，沖之以卒，此用險之道也。彼眾我寡，力殫糧絕，勝勢在彼，敗勢在我，當歃血誓士，嚴令厚賞，進退以必死，提寡少之兵，突強禦之眾。以我為輕也，當有輕之用。由窮地而闢生門，反輕而決焉，此用輕之道也。

A deep valley with no way out is a dead end; a broken camp and flattened walls are places where enemies can charge freely. Everyone avoids such dangerous places, but I should instead consolidate my troops internally, stabilize the formation, and appear disorganized on the outside to lure the enemy. Inside, I must maintain strict discipline, and on the outside, seem fearful to encourage the enemy's arrogance. Since the enemy cannot see through this, I should conceal the truth with changes and strike suddenly to defeat them. This is using the method of "dangerous situations." When the enemy is numerous and I am few, with exhausted forces and cut off supplies, the advantage lies with the enemy and the disadvantage with me. In such a case, I should take an oath with my soldiers, issue clear commands, offer generous rewards, and commit to certain death in both advance and retreat, leading these few troops to attack the strong enemy force. Others may think I am reckless, but I should use this very "lightness" to my advantage. From the desperate situation, I create a path to survival, relying on this lightness and determination to win, which is using the method of "lightness."

敵強攻急，師人大震，眾以為危，我不以忽遽自亂，當有危之用。嚴號謹備，以天命慰撫吏士，外閑其貌，內潛速其機，以奇出兵，此用危之道也。敵人以間來間，我佯不知而受之；敵人以探來探，我佯無備而設伏待之。敵以我愚也，當有愚之用，反而智焉，此用愚之道也。

The enemy is strong and their attack is fierce and urgent, causing the entire army to be greatly shaken. Everyone believes there is danger, but I do not become confused or lose my composure, and instead should make use of this "danger." I maintain strict orders and remain cautious and vigilant, using the idea of heavenly mandate to comfort and stabilize the officers and soldiers. On the outside, I appear calm and composed, but internally I secretly prepare and plan my strategies, launching a surprise attack. This is the method of using "danger." When the enemy sends spies to spread false information, I pretend not to know and accept them; when the enemy sends scouts to spy, I pretend to have no defenses and set up ambushes for them. The enemy believes we are dull and foolish, and at this moment, we should take advantage of this "foolishness" to carry out our clever strategies. This is the method of using "foolishness."

望敵之兵來，退縮守壁；見敵之使來，卑辭下氣，如欲和解。眾以我為畏也，當有畏之用。退縮則設伏而攻之，出奇沖之；欲和解則以利動之，以卑驕之，此用畏之道也。是五者，反眾之法也。眾以我為險者，我用其利也；眾以我為輕者，我用其決也；眾以我為危者，我用其安也；眾以我為愚者，我用其智也；眾以我為畏者，我用其勇也。故太公曰：不能推移，不可語奇。此之謂也。

When enemy troops approach, retreat back to the camp and hold firm; when enemy envoys arrive, speak humbly and with low tone, as if seeking reconciliation. All people think we are afraid, but I should make use of this 'fear'. Retreating to hold the camp is to set up ambushes and attack them later, or to strike them suddenly; showing willingness to reconcile is to use benefits to entice them and use humility to foster their arrogance. This is the method of using 'fear'. These five methods are all ways of acting contrary to the common perception. Everyone thinks I am in danger, but actually I am using the advantage within the danger; everyone thinks I am reckless, but actually I am using the decisive battle; everyone thinks I am in peril, but actually I am using the security within it; everyone thinks I am dull, but actually I am employing strategy; everyone thinks I am fearful, but actually I am gathering courage. Therefore, the Duke of Tai Gong said: One who cannot adapt to circumstances and change is not worthy of discussing surprising victories. This is exactly the meaning.

兵有五機：一曰地機，二曰事機，三曰勢機，四曰利機，五曰神機。列營布陣，先據要害，敵取逆動，我取順息，是謂地機。審探敵事，因而為之，以中敵情，使敵不知為我所覺，得以欺敵，是謂事機。

There are five key essentials in warfare: first is the principle of terrain, second is the principle of affairs, third is the principle of momentum, fourth is the principle of advantage, and fifth is the principle of divine timing. When setting up camps and arranging troops, one should first occupy critical positions, putting the enemy in a disadvantageous position while allowing our forces to rest and recover in a favorable position. This is called the principle of terrain. By carefully investigating the enemy's movements and arranging our own actions in accordance with theirs, we can precisely match their situation while keeping them unaware that we have detected their movements, thereby deceiving them. This is called the principle of affairs.

鼓十人之氣為百人之用，鼓百人之氣為千人之用，威名氣焰，動如雷電，所當者破，是謂勢機。糧芻儲積，士馬習閑，凡敵境糧道通利，是謂利機。敵人料我於前，失之於後；料我於遠，失之於近。動靜出入，敵不能察，是謂神機。用兵以五機應敵，未有不能攻城掠地者也。

Inspiring the morale of ten men to achieve the effectiveness of a hundred, inspiring the morale of a hundred men to achieve the effectiveness of a thousand, with a reputation and momentum that are overwhelming, moving like thunder and lightning, breaking all enemies encountered, this is called momentum. Sufficient supplies, well-trained and rested soldiers and horses, and unimpeded supply lines when advancing into enemy territory, this is called advantageous conditions. The enemy expects me to be ahead, but I appear behind them; they expect me to be far away, but I appear nearby; moving and still, going out and coming in, the enemy cannot detect my movements, this is called divine maneuvering. If a general can use these five key strategies to deal with the enemy, there is no situation he cannot conquer or seize.

我師為敵所圍，可以力守者三：外有援兵，一可守也；人士勁勇，芻粟豐備，二可守也；城池完固，民人富庶，三可守也。可以決戰者三：外無援兵，一可戰也；人勁馬壯，甲兵堅利，儲畜不備，二可戰也；城池不完，士民窮匱，三可戰也。

When our army is surrounded by the enemy, there are three situations in which we can rely on our strength to hold out: first, there are friendly forces outside the city providing support; second, the soldiers are strong and brave, and there is an ample supply of fodder and grain; third, the city walls and moats are intact and strong, and the people within the city are prosperous. Conversely, there are also three situations in which we should sortie out to fight: first, there are no friendly forces outside the city to rely on; second, although the soldiers are strong and the horses are healthy, the armor and weapons are sturdy and sharp, but there is no reserve of supplies; third, the city walls and moats are broken and incomplete, and both the soldiers and civilians are poor and destitute.

守可以必守，戰可以即戰。何謂必守？許洞曰：盡我力焉，援之不到，俟敵困懈，出奇以戰〈如光武昆陽水上鼓譟而出，如田單即墨火牛之類是也〉。何謂即戰？許洞曰：既圍即戰，謀未備也，圍久則困〈一作用〉焉。

If you have decided to defend, you must defend to the end; if you have decided to fight, you must fight immediately. What is called "defending resolutely"? Xu Dong said: use your defensive strength to the utmost, and if the relief forces still do not arrive, wait until the enemy is tired and relaxed, then launch a surprise attack (for example, Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty at Kunyang, led his elite soldiers to charge out from the western side of the city by beating drums and shouting; another example is Tian Dan who defended Jimo during the Warring States period, who broke through the Yan army with the "Fire Ox Formation," both fall into this category). What is called "fighting immediately"? Xu Dong said: when the enemy has just surrounded you, you fight, taking advantage of their incomplete deployment; if the siege continues for too long, your side will first fall intopredicament ("困境" is sometimes written as "用").

破圍之師，不可出者三：敵無故開圍一角者，有伏也；退圍數裡者，謀也；示以老弱者，誘也。可以急備者二：敵攻其西，謹備其東〈一面皆如之〉；敵示以閑暇者，此必緩我而欲求懈，陰將沖突也。夫被圍者，當安其內而後反其外，可也。

The troops preparing to break out of the city must not leave the city under three circumstances: if the enemy suddenly opens a corner of the包围, there must be an ambush there; if the enemy withdraws the encircling camps several miles, it is a trap; if the enemy deliberately places the old and weak soldiers outside, it is a bait. There are two situations that require increased vigilance: if the enemy attacks fiercely on the west, we must be especially cautious on the east (the same applies to other directions); if the enemy appears calm and relaxed, pretending to have nothing to do, this is certainly intended to lull our forces into complacency, while secretly preparing for a sudden attack. Those who are surrounded should first stabilize the morale within the city before planning to deal with the enemy outside, which is the proper course of action.

逐寇於城隍壘堡，逼而圍之者，逾數旬不變，非克敵之術。如圍中士馬精壯，兵器堅利，芻糧豐溢，外有援可俟者，宜樹土山，浚渠池，去圍百里廣途間道築壁備之。人數不可多，隨地大小用之。盛其遊兵，分部往來提舉，遇急則救應之。

Drive the enemy forces into the city, fortifications, and strongholds, then approach and encircle them. If the situation remains unchanged after several weeks of encirclement, this is not an effective way to defeat the enemy. If the besieged enemy has strong troops, well-equipped weapons, ample supplies of fodder and grain, and reinforcements outside that can be relied upon, then one should build earth mounds outside the city to observe and control the enemy within, dig deep ditches to store water, and construct fortifications on major and minor roads within a hundred li of the encirclement to guard against possible attacks. The garrisons at these outposts need not be large, but should be arranged according to the size of the terrain. At the same time, deploy many mobile 'patrol troops' divided into several units to patrol and coordinate, responding quickly to any critical situations.

圍中寇敵窮匱，慮以可守復生他計，則伏精兵於敵路以待〈敵路者，謂敵人要路及歸路也〉。本圍實三面，兵士嚴為備禦，開圍一角，令得生路。敵不奔則戰〈在圍一心死守，出圍則心散各求生路〉，奔則伏兵發，戰則志散，此可以必克矣。是故圍寇之道，不可以堅守為事。《易》曰：窮則變，變則通。此之謂也。

When an enemy is surrounded and in dire straits, if there is concern that he might rely on his ability to hold out and devise other strategies, then elite troops should be secretly stationed at the "enemy's route" to intercept him. The "enemy's route" refers to the key passes and the path by which the enemy must retreat. When surrounding the enemy, three sides should be tightly enclosed with strict military defense, while leaving one side open to allow the enemy to see a path of survival. In this way, if the enemy does not flee, he will have to come out to fight; if he does flee, the hidden troops will attack from all sides. If he fights, his morale will be dispirited. Thus, the key to surrounding an enemy is not merely to tightly enclose him. The "Great Treatise" of the "Zhou Changes" says: when a matter reaches its limit, it must change; only through change can it proceed. This is exactly the principle being explained.

深入敵境，寂然不逢一人，不可輕動，防有伏焉。宜詳審四沖之雲氣，秣馬勵士，坐甲以俟結營之地。夜於營數裡四圍，各以勁勇之士伏強弩利盾，多列鼓鼙。有賊遽發，擊鼓為號。賊擊衛兵，則中營出輕兵援之。賊擊中營，則四面夾攻之。中營堅陣，坐以俟變而已。賊退則隨之，勿逼之。中營亦隨而進焉。

Advance deep into the enemy's territory, where the surroundings are completely quiet and no one is encountered. Do not act rashly; be on guard for possible ambushes. Carefully observe the clouds above the key passageways around the area. Feed the horses well, encourage the soldiers, and have the entire army fully armored and ready. Wait until a suitable place for encampment is chosen before setting up camp. At night, place skilled and brave soldiers in ambush at several points around the camp, a few miles outside, equipped with strong bows and sturdy shields, and set up many drums called "gǔ pí" (large and small war drums). If the enemy suddenly attacks, sound the drums as a signal. If the enemy attacks these outer guard units, send light-armed troops from the main camp to reinforce them. If the enemy attacks the main camp, the soldiers in the surrounding ambushes should attack together. The main camp should maintain a stable formation and remain calm, waiting for the situation to develop. If the enemy retreats, follow them but do not pursue too closely, and the main camp should advance accordingly.

夫頓兵敵境，暇則秣食，不常其時，備不測之寇。所行之地遇平川大澤，分五方之師，左右前後人等差隨時，去中軍不可過遠。大將軍處於中軍，隨軍芻粟處於中軍，賞賜資貨處於中軍。若山川險狹，則{艹乞}左右二軍前後如故焉。與賊相遇，不可忽遽周章，當寅畏戒嚴，俾吏士若臨大祭。鼓則進，金則止。不金不鼓，湛如氵亭淵。雖使之奔沖馳突，不可妄動。

A large army stationed in enemy territory should make full use of any spare time to feed and care for the horses, without fixing the time for feeding in the same hour, to be prepared for unexpected enemies. When marching through plains and marshes, divide the troops into five directions (the central army and the front, back, left, and right armies). The number of troops in the left, right, front, and back divisions should be adjusted according to the situation, but they should not be too far from the central army. The general should be stationed in the central army, and the fodder and grain for the troops should be stored in the central army, as well as the supplies for rewards. If encountering mountainous or narrow terrain, the left and right armies should be gathered together (the original character is a rare one, meaning to converge and combine), while the front and rear armies should remain in their original formations. When encountering the enemy, do not panic or become disordered; instead, maintain a solemn and strict military discipline, making the entire army behave as if facing a major national ritual. When the drum is sounded, advance; when the gong is sounded, stop. When neither the gong nor the drum is sounded, the entire army should remain as still as a deep pond. Even for the units sent out for ambush or combat, they must not act recklessly or independently.

何也？曰：凡深入敵境，與常戰不同，地形我不細究其逆順，叢林我不深曉其厚薄。且堅其大陣於陣中，數出奇兵，左右掩逐，利則進，不利則止，貨則掠，人則殺而已。此皆深入之道也。茍不先備而俟之，必有驚撓卻奪之困。可不慎哉！

Why is it done this way? The answer is: When engaging in battle deep within enemy territory, it is different from regular combat. The local terrain is not yet thoroughly understood, and the density and depth of forests and thickets are unknown. Therefore, the main force should be firmly positioned in the center, with frequent dispatches of surprise troops to attack and pursue on both flanks. Advance when advantageous, halt when disadvantageous, seize resources when encountered, and destroy the enemy when met. This is all that is required. These are the essentials of fighting deep within enemy territory. If no prior preparations are made to deal with such situations, one will certainly face disturbances, retreats, and loss of gains. How can one not be cautious?

兩師未合，先候敵人之情，故其將之偏才皆可見之也。其有猛而輕死者，可伏而挑之；智而遲者，可逼也；機事速疾而不精者，可誘也；機緩而精者，可抗也；自伐者，可間也；信人者，可詐也；不信人者，可離也；剛愎自用者，可擊也；親愛人者，可侮也〈侮一作悔〉；貪者，可賂也；鄙者，可奪也；廉者，可汙也；清者，可辱也；畏鬼神者，可驚也；懦而善用人者，可欺也。將有是十五者，擊之無疑也。

Before the two armies engage in battle, one must first investigate the enemy's situation, so that any flaws in the enemy general's character can be identified. If the enemy general is brave but not afraid of death, one can set a trap to provoke him. If he is intelligent but slow in action, one can press him forward. If he acts quickly but not thoroughly, one can lure him. If he acts slowly but thoroughly, one can only hold him in check. If he boasts excessively, one can use a reverse strategy. If he easily trusts others, one can use deception. If he distrusts everyone, one can sow discord between him and his subordinates. If he is stubborn and self-willed, one can attack him directly. If he indulges his subordinates too much, one can insult and provoke him. If he is greedy for wealth, one can bribe him. If he is shallow and unscrupulous, one can seize his possessions. If he claims to be clean and upright, one can spread rumors to disgrace him. If he considers himself superior and lofty, one can humiliate and anger him. If he fears ghosts and spirits, one can scare him with strange occurrences. If he is weak but good at using people, one can deceive him. If the enemy general has any of these fifteen weaknesses, one should not hesitate to attack him.

士卒使用無時者，可擊也；士馬秣食無時者，可擊也；結營之地無出入之便者，可擊也；臨陣喧嘩，約之不止者，可擊也；營柵無泉源溪澗者，可擊也；動而不能避日耗月刑者，可擊也；諸將爭功者，可擊也；謀臣放逐者，可擊也；吏士怨怒者，可擊也；傳呼不應節者，可擊也。是十者能候而擊之，無疑焉。孫子曰：候之而知動靜之理者，此之謂也。茍不能候敵之情，而浪與戰者，是謂舉眾與敵也。

An enemy army that does not have a regular schedule for employing soldiers can be attacked; an army that does not have a regular schedule for feeding its horses and soldiers can be attacked; an army whose camp is located in an area that is inconvenient for entry and exit can be attacked; an army that is noisy and disorganized on the battlefield can be attacked; an army whose camp is near no springs or streams can be attacked; an army that does not know how to avoid the "day of exhaustion" and "month punishment" which are considered unlucky days by military experts can be attacked; an army where generals are competing for merit can be attacked; an army where strategists are excluded and banished can be attacked; an army where officers and soldiers are harboring resentment can be attacked; an army where orders are not communicated in harmony and coordination can be attacked. These ten situations, if thoroughly investigated, should be attacked without hesitation. The "Art of War" by Sun Tzu, in the chapter on "Virtual and Real," says that by investigating the enemy, one can grasp its patterns of movement and stillness. This is exactly what it refers to. If one cannot investigate the enemy's situation and rashly engages in battle, it is like giving one's own troops away to the enemy for free.

敵戰既敗，可以追之者五，不可以追之者六。何謂也？曰：彼勝氣，可追者，一也；步騎散亂，奔多顛躓，不成部伍，二也；奔其鄉里，赴其城壁，三也〈前有生路可往，士卒無鬥誌矣〉；輜重甲兵散而不收，四也；主將已死，五也。

When the enemy army has already retreated in battle, there are five situations in which it is advisable to pursue them and six situations in which it is not. How is this explained? The answer is: if our forces are superior in morale and overwhelming the enemy, this is the first situation in which pursuit is advisable; if the enemy's infantry and cavalry are scattered and in disarray, fleeing while constantly falling and tripping, with their formations completely broken, this is the second situation; if the enemy is fleeing toward their homeland or rushing into their fortifications, this is the third situation (for if there is an escape route ahead, the soldiers will lose their fighting spirit); if the enemy's supplies, armor, and weapons are scattered everywhere and left uncollected, this is the fourth situation; and if the enemy's commander has already been killed, this is the fifth situation.

又若敵人雖敗，銳氣不減，一不可也；舊溪澗水流忽〈一作急〉絕者，盜已過，二也〈慮其絕水之計耳〉；敗軍遁走，行伍不甚亂，旌旗不甚錯，三也〈慮其詐敗，欲我逐之，然後發其伏兵者也〉；吏士奔走不甚蹶躓，步騎不相參錯，四也〈慮其亦詐也，詐則心安，故走不躓也〉；敵敗失道，左右山谷前亦如之，五也〈無路可走，必還而致死〉；途窮食盡，吏士未甚散，六也。是以可追者，急追；不可追者，堅壁而觀，必有利害之變矣，俟舉兵我則利進而害退也。

There are also situations where it is not advisable to pursue the enemy: although the enemy has suffered a defeat, their fighting spirit has not diminished, this is the first case where pursuit is not advisable; originally flowing streams suddenly dry up (the character '忽' in some editions is '急'), indicating that the enemy has already taken measures upstream, this is the second case (we should be cautious of their plan to cut off the water supply); when the defeated army retreats, their ranks are not too scattered and their banners are not too disordered, this is the third case (we should be cautious of their feigned retreat to lure us into pursuit, then launch an ambush); when the enemy's soldiers and cavalry move without much stumbling and do not mix together, this is the fourth case (we should also be cautious as this is likely a pretense, they are confident and thus move without falling); when the enemy retreats and is lost in the wilderness, with valleys on both sides and in front, this is the fifth case (with no way out, they will surely turn back to fight desperately); when the enemy is cornered, their food supplies are exhausted, but their troops have not yet scattered, this is the sixth case. Therefore, when it is advisable to pursue, we should pursue urgently; when it is not advisable, we should firmly hold our camp and observe quietly, the situation will inevitably change in terms of advantage and disadvantage, and when the time comes to take action, our side will be able to advance when advantageous and retreat when harmful.

兵者，詭道也。卷舒萬變，雖天地鬼神不可使測之〈不可使測之，一作莫能知之〉。是故詭敵之道，其術有二。敵使到，以權臣私之，豐寶貨露試疑，為結使者之術。使其信我不疑，然後以憤〈一作忿〉惑之，復以國家事洩〈皆以國家虛實，似是而非者〉，既密，乃反構敵意，料不以我為疑，即以通情於敵君，示舉兵期與地，以內應之。待期〈一作奇〉則以精兵出不意搗其虛，我外通之，其術一也〈內慮號皆虛號也，亦為我臨兵之害〉。

The art of warfare is a craft of deception, with strategies of restraint and release changing endlessly. Even heaven, earth, ghosts, and spirits cannot fathom it (one edition reads "no one can know it"). Therefore, the general methods of deceiving the enemy are roughly two. The first method is as follows: when envoys from the enemy state arrive, we should have our powerful ministers secretly cultivate relations with them, offering rich treasures and valuables, and deliberately let out a little information to test whether they will become suspicious. This is a method of winning over the envoy. Once they fully trust us and no longer suspect us, we then use angry words to confuse them, and then pretend to leak state secrets to them (these so-called secrets are all about the true and false aspects of the state, appearing real but actually false). Once the relationship is close, we then turn around and slander the enemy. We estimate that the enemy will not suspect us, and then directly communicate with the enemy's monarch, telling him the date and place of our military campaign, and expressing willingness to act as an inside agent. On the appointed day (one edition reads "strange day"), we use elite troops to strike unexpectedly at their vulnerable point, while our forces outside also respond in coordination. This is the first method (it must be known that the secret signals of the inside agent are all fake; if this method is used against us, it will become a disaster for our army at the critical moment).

募勇敢者以為間，一旦佯為怒，笞之見血，即潛使竄敵。復囚其妻子，俾知之而為怨〈一作怒〉。我以密事告〈亦虛事也〉，使傳聞於敵，詐言以某時當加兵於某處。我潛應其言，及期果與言合。乃陰出銳兵，攻其不意，其術二也。此皆以奇為勝者，兵之要道，不可以不詳於此也。

The second approach: recruit bold and fearless individuals to serve as spies. One day, pretend to be angry and beat them severely until their skin is split and flesh is exposed. Then secretly let them flee to the enemy's side. At the same time, imprison their wives and children so that they will feel resentment (the term "resentment" in some editions reads as "anger"). Our side then tells them "secret information" (which is also false), instructing them to pass it on to the enemy, falsely claiming that an attack will take place at a certain time and place. Our side secretly carries out this plan, and at the appointed time, it indeed matches what the spy reported. Thus, taking advantage of the enemy's complete belief, we secretly deploy our elite troops to attack them when they are unprepared. This is the second approach. All these are methods of achieving victory through the unusual, and they are crucial aspects of military strategy, which must be explained thoroughly.

敵有謀臣，以間疏之；敵有積聚，細人焚之；敵有種植，欺而刈之；敵有民人，強而〈一作以〉虜之。陰賂敵之密人，使進敵美女以惑其意，獻良犬駿馬以蕩其心，多方以誤之。迨其外困而內惑，則國事懈矣。然後舉兵伐之，可不勞而功立矣。善用兵者，常謀困敵。敵困則我逸矣，以逸擊困，尚何敵之不克哉！

If the enemy has a wise minister, use a reverse strategy to make him distant from the ruler; if the enemy has stored grain and supplies, send spies to burn them; if the enemy has planted crops, find ways to trick them into cutting them off; if the enemy has people, use force to capture them. Secretly bribe the enemy's trusted officials to present beautiful women to confuse the enemy ruler's mind, and offer fine dogs and horses to indulge his desires, using various methods to lead him astray. When the enemy is troubled externally and confused internally, their government will become weak. At this time, if we launch an attack, we can achieve great success with little effort. A skilled general always seeks to put the enemy in a difficult situation. When the enemy is in trouble, we are at ease; with an easy force fighting a troubled enemy, what enemy can we not conquer?

一方之地，一界之內，一城之間，分兵守之。要地則盛兵防禦，量人數多少，分為步、騎。中營大將所居，外皆環列營陣，所備之地不空虛焉。敵來襲擊，四面皆救援。急則引中營之兵以赴焉，表裡互相救也。慮敵人擊其一處，則立左、右營陣以護防矣。

Within a single area, a single boundary, and a single city, troops should be stationed to guard each section. More soldiers should be stationed at critical points for defense. Depending on the number of available troops, they should be organized into infantry and cavalry. The main camp is where the general resides, and surrounding it are various camps and formations arranged in a circle. All defensive positions should be fully occupied without any gaps. If enemies attack, the forces can support each other from all sides. In case of an urgent situation, troops from the main camp can be quickly dispatched to reinforce other areas, with internal and external forces coordinating with each other. If there is concern that enemies might focus on a particular area, additional camps and formations should be established on both sides of that location for protection.

兵者，詭道也。詭可使虛為實，遠示之近，近示之遠。故遠近之用，其術有六。善攻敵者，警前掩後，聲東擊西，出敵所不趨，趨敵所不意；利而誘之，安而動之，逸而勞之，飽而饑之；覘其無備，卒然乘之。其術一也。

The art of warfare is a craft of deception. Deception can turn the empty into the real: when intending to attack a distant place, appear to attack a nearby one; when intending to attack a nearby place, appear to attack a distant one. Therefore, there are six methods of deceiving distance and nearness. A skilled attacker disturbs the enemy's front while striking his rear, pretends to attack the east while actually attacking the west, attacks where the enemy will not go, and rushes directly to where he does not expect. He lures the enemy with small advantages; when the enemy is at ease, he stirs him up; when the enemy is comfortable, he makes him weary; when the enemy has enough food, he causes him to hunger. He observes when the enemy is unprepared and suddenly strikes through the opening. This is the first method.

所臨之境界於洪淵大壑，不可卒濟，即駐兵築壘，鑿林刳木，廣為舟航，示以必濟也〈如不可卒辦之，則令彼備此行，我則不然也〉。中夜陰令精兵銜枚於他處，舉筏而渡，擊沿流屯守，俟彼眾亂，大兵筏而隨之。其術二也。

The border they reached was separated by a deep ravine and large body of water, which could not be crossed at once. Therefore, they stationed themselves, built fortifications, cut down trees, and prepared timber for building boats, giving the appearance that they intended to cross from this point. If the boats could not be made immediately, they still made the enemy believe that the army would cross here, even though the actual plan was not to take this route. At night, they secretly ordered elite troops to bite down on short pieces of wood to silence their voices, and launched rafts from another location to attack the enemy forces stationed along the riverbank. Once the enemy's formation became disordered, the main force would follow with the rafts. This is the second strategy.

加兵之地，斷敵之路，大軍陰謀以詭敵。敵聞焉，如以為然，所備必緩。即陰令輕捷者從間道以懸梯行索接續以亟渡，出其不意，我即令大軍以應之。其術三也。兩陣相向，敵人鼓譟挑戰，勿即應，久之，則徐徐引退。敵來薄陣，即亟出驍勇沖其心，後軍張翼而從之。其術四也。交戰既酣，陰以奇兵分左、右翼，自陣後兩出擊之，使外潰而內駭焉。其術五也。

At the place where troops are about to be deployed, display an appearance of cutting off the enemy's path, while the main force secretly plots a deception to mislead the enemy. When the enemy hears this, they will believe it true, and their defenses in that area will necessarily relax. At this moment, send swift and agile soldiers through secret paths, using 'suspended ladders' (soft ladders hung on cliff walls) and ropes to connect segment by segment, quickly crossing dangerous terrain unexpectedly; then the main force can follow to support. This is the third strategy. When the two armies face each other, and the enemy drums and shouts to challenge, do not immediately engage, but delay for a while, then slowly retreat. When the enemy approaches closely, suddenly send brave and skilled soldiers to charge directly at their center, while the rear troops spread out like the wings of a bird to encircle them. This is the fourth strategy. During the height of the battle, secretly divide the elite troops into left and right wings, and attack the enemy from both sides behind the main formation, causing their outer forces to scatter and their inner ranks to panic. This is the fifth strategy.

敵戰時，於大戰後以精兵伏之，不施旗鼓，唯以強弩、劍盾、戈藏隱於身，埋伏山林深草之處。伺前陣大戰，令後伏兵先出強弩射之後麾，前陣兩向兵徐逼敵，佯敗誘追，伏動則撲之。其術六也。此六者，皆示以近而取勝在遠也。如是者，奇正之謀也。孫子曰：兵以正合〈一作才〉，以奇勝。此之謂也。

When engaging in battle with the enemy, deploy elite troops behind the main battlefield, without displaying banners or using drums and horns. Only hide strong bows, swords and shields, and long spears close to the body, and conceal them in deep woods and thick grass. When the main force is fighting fiercely in front, first send the hidden troops into action to shoot at the enemy's rear command flags with strong bows. Meanwhile, the units on the left and right of the front line should slowly approach the enemy, pretending to retreat to lure the enemy to chase. As soon as the hidden troops move, they should rush forward. This is the sixth strategy. These six strategies all place the formation in the near area, but the key to victory lies in the distant area. Like this, it is the combination of 'qí' (surprise) and 'zhèng' (main force) strategies. The 'Art of War' by Sun Tzu, in the chapter on 'Shì' (Formation), says: 'Use regular troops to engage in direct combat, and use irregular troops to achieve victory.' This is exactly the meaning conveyed.

用地之法，考地之形勢有六焉：一曰通，二曰掛，三曰支，四曰隘，五曰險，六曰遠。我可以往，彼可以來，曰通。居通地，利乘高待敵，後通糧運，障其間道，絕敵之潛來，用戰則利也。我可以往，彼難以反，曰掛。居掛地，先詳敵無備，伏兵絕其歸路，則利焉；敵有備而出，則自躓焉。

The method of using terrain involves examining the land's form, which is divided into six categories: first is "Tong" (open), second is "Gua" (hanging), third is "Zhi" (branching), fourth is "Ai" (narrow pass), fifth is "Xian" (dangerous), and sixth is "Yuan" (distant). If both our forces and the enemy can pass through, it is called Tong form. When in Tong form, it is advisable to occupy high ground and wait for the enemy, keep the rear supply lines open, block off minor paths, and prevent the enemy from making secret attacks, thus gaining an advantage in battle. If our forces can pass through but the enemy finds it difficult to retreat, it is called Gua form. When in Gua form, first investigate whether the enemy is unprepared, then send hidden troops to cut off their retreat, which will be advantageous; if the enemy is already prepared and attacks, our forces should not rashly advance, as this would lead to defeat.

我出而不利，彼出而不利，曰支。居支地，若敵引兵而去，是誘我也，勿擊之；待其自出薄我則擊之，利焉。守山谷之口，界乎兩向峭絕，曰隘。我先居隘地，整其營陣待敵，絕沖突之患；若敵先居之，盈陣待之（言盈陣者，實陣絕隘口）；如攻不盈，則從其它攻之，利焉。

When both our side and the enemy find it disadvantageous to attack, this is called the "branch formation." If we are in such a formation and the enemy retreats, it is a ruse; do not pursue. Wait until the enemy approaches our formation before attacking, which is advantageous. When the pass is narrow, with steep cliffs on both sides, this is called the "narrow pass formation." If our side occupies the narrow pass first, we should arrange our camp in order and wait for the enemy, preventing them from breaking through. If the enemy occupies the narrow pass first and has fully filled the pass with troops, blocking it completely, then we should wait and not attack forcefully. If the enemy has not fully occupied the pass, we should attack from another direction, which is advantageous.

處高待下，處安待危，曰險。居險地，我先居之，利以戰；若敵先居之，勒兵退，乃見其利焉。與敵相去營壘之遙，曰遠（疑有脫誤）地。敵不先進，但挑戰，戰則不可進，必有伏焉；敵不戰而引退，亦不可逐，逐則不利。故古人云：用兵之道，地利為寶。此之謂也。

A position that is high and overlooking a dangerous area, with oneself in a secure position facing danger, is called a dangerous formation. If our side occupies a dangerous formation first, it is advantageous for battle; if the enemy occupies it first, we should retreat and only then will we see the benefit. When the enemy's camp is far away, it is called a distant formation. In a distant formation, if the enemy does not advance first but only challenges, we should not rashly advance, for there must be hidden troops there. If the enemy does not fight but retreats, we should not chase, for chasing will be disadvantageous. Therefore, ancients said: The principle of warfare values securing geographical advantage above all. This is exactly what they meant.

生地者，謂左右前後非死絕之地，通糧道，進退皆利也。生地雖曰兵家之利，可以用者六焉：若夫懸車深入，一可用也；士馬精壯，陣勢習熟，二可用也；將明令嚴，三可用也；我強敵弱，四可用也；大將夙著恩，使吏士服從，五可用也；吏士樂戰，六可用也。其不可以用者有三焉：士卒顧家者，一不可用也；前無利誘，士卒退心，二不可用也；進則害，退則利，三不可用也。茲生地之利害，可不審乎？

The term "shengdi" refers to a place where neither the left, right, front, nor back is a dead end, the supply lines are unobstructed, and movement is convenient. Although shengdi is advantageous for military operations, there are only six situations in which it is appropriate to use troops here: first, when the army can "suspense the chariots and restrain the horses" to cross dangerous terrain and advance deep into enemy territory; second, when the soldiers are strong and well-trained, and the formations are well-practiced; third, when the general is wise and the commands are strict and orderly; fourth, when our forces are strong and the enemy is weak; fifth, when the general has earned the trust and affection of the soldiers, and the troops are willing to obey; sixth, when the soldiers are eager to fight. There are three situations in which it is inappropriate to use troops in shengdi: first, when the soldiers are homesick; second, when there is no enticing gain ahead, and the soldiers begin to lose heart; third, when advancing is harmful and retreating is beneficial. These are the advantages and disadvantages of shengdi; how can they not be carefully examined?

死地者，謂背山負水，糧道、生路皆絕也。死地雖曰兵家之害，可以用戰者四焉：將之恩威未著，吏士未服，一也；我兵與敵等，我力戰則利，畏戰則害，欲令吏卒死戰者，二也；為敵所逼，糧芻將竭，三也；前軍既破，後軍尚固，四也。其不可以用者三焉：彼眾我寡，一也；利害未審，矯眾強為，二也；將心猶豫，三也。

The term "dead ground" refers to a location where the army is backed by high mountains and faces a great body of water, with both its supply lines and escape routes cut off. Although dead ground is harmful to military operations, there are four situations where a desperate battle can be fought there: first, when the general's virtue and authority have not yet been established and the soldiers are not willing to obey, and the situation can be used to spur on their fighting spirit; second, when the enemy's strength is equal to our own, and a full-scale desperate battle is advantageous while hesitation is harmful, and the soldiers can be forced to fight to the death; third, when the army is being closely pursued by the enemy and its food and fodder are about to be exhausted; fourth, when the vanguard has already been defeated, but the rear ranks are still strong. There are three situations where it is not advisable to fight in a dead ground: first, when the enemy is numerous and our forces are few; second, when the advantages and disadvantages have not been clearly assessed, and the troops are forced to fight against their will; third, when the general himself is uncertain and hesitant.

山勢迫而障於近者勿營，慮伏在側也；山亞而繞林奮者勿營，慮四周有伏也；山回於路者不可妄行，慮伏在前也；山伏於後者速過，急以兵守其後，慮為敵所絕也。左右前後皆山，我頓軍於中者，細究其往來之蹊路，因諸間道以兵守之。凡諸山阪及野地者，有林近我，我利。若得之，戰則為伏，急則為藏，守則為薪也。茍能知山林之利害者，鮮不勝也。

When mountains are close and block the view, forming a barrier, do not set up camp there, as there may be hidden troops on both sides. If the mountain is low and surrounded by dense woods that block the view, do not set up camp there, as there may be hidden troops around. If the mountain turns back and blocks the road, do not advance rashly, as there may be hidden troops ahead. If a hill is across the rear of the army, pass through quickly and send troops to block the rear route, fearing that the enemy may cut off the retreat. If all sides are mountains and the army is stationed in the middle, carefully examine all the small paths and use them to station troops. In any place with hills or open fields, if there are trees near our side, it is advantageous to us. If we can occupy such a place, we can set up ambushes in battle, take shelter in emergencies, and use the wood for firewood when stationed. If one truly understands the advantages and disadvantages of mountains and forests, there will be few battles that cannot be won.

頓軍之地，水流而清澈者，食之上也；水流而黃濁有沙者，食之次也；流之黑者，食之下也（水黃黑，以膠投之，可以得清）。設或水停而不流者，勿食；水流而上源在敵者，勿食。水流而中有黑脈不定毒流者，勿食，食者死。水多糞草者，勿食，食者病。水上有人、狗、彘之尸者，勿食。如無水可食，當於其側穿井以汲。

The best water for drinking is found where the army is stationed and the water is clear. Water that is yellowish and turbid, carrying silt, is of the second best quality. Water that is black is the worst. If the water is yellow or black, adding glue can make the silt settle and clarify it. If the water is stagnant and not flowing, do not drink it. Even if the water is flowing, if the source is in enemy territory, do not drink it. If there are black veins or shifting toxic flows in the water, do not drink it, as it can cause death. If the water contains a lot of feces and weeds, do not drink it, as it can cause illness. If there are floating bodies of humans, dogs, or pigs on the surface, do not drink it. If there is no suitable water available, then dig a well nearby to obtain water.

吏士營必以水，暫憩必以水。若將有所涉也，水流而或盈或減者，勿涉，必有壅囊之機；水止而為陂為沮洳限於路者，勿涉，必有澤淖之陷。水在敵要地而無甲兵防之者，未可即涉。先令輕兵搜驗山谷崎岸，慮有伏焉。欲奪敵之力者，先奪其水。得之上流者，美莫大焉。

Military camps must be located near a water source, and even during brief rest periods, they should be near water. If crossing a river is necessary and the water level fluctuates unpredictably, do not attempt to cross. There must be enemy forces upstream using 'yongnang' (sandbags to build a dam) to block the water, waiting to release it when our troops are halfway across. If the water has stagnated to form a pond or turned into a marsh blocking the way, do not cross. There are surely hidden pits in the swamp. If the water is in an area critical to the enemy's position but no enemy soldiers are seen guarding it, do not cross immediately. Send light troops to search the riverbanks and steep slopes to guard against ambushes. To weaken the enemy's fighting strength, first seize their water source. There is no greater advantage than controlling the upper reaches.

敵之始來，塵有條而散漫者，曳薪也；穗起而驚亂者，塵車來也；塵高濃厚，渾渾而起者，騎兵來也；卑而廣，奮奮而起者，步兵也。

When the enemy first appears, the dust appears as thin lines and is scattered, indicating they are dragging firewood along the ground to create a false impression. If the dust rises in clusters like a bundle of grain and is chaotic, it means war chariots are approaching. If the dust forms a tall and dense column, rolling and swirling, it indicates cavalry is coming. If the dust is low and wide, rising in a蓬蓬 manner, it means infantry are advancing.

兵少而塵散亂者，部伍不肅也；兵多而塵清者，部伍按行，將之令整也；塵埃左右前後起者，使人無常法也。軍動而塵埃條條而起者，不散漫，軍止而塵亦者，此皆大將威德行，部伍整肅故也。列營結陣之時，有塵起飛者，隨所起處防之，必有賊兵潛到。臨賊以塵為候，亦料敵取勝之術者也。

When there are few soldiers and the dust is scattered and disorderly, it indicates that the troops are disorganized. When there are many soldiers but the dust is light and clear, it shows that the troops are advancing in formation and the general's commands are strict and orderly. If the dust rises in scattered patches in all directions, it means that the deployment of troops lacks a fixed method. When marching, if the dust rises in a line and does not scatter, and when the troops stop, the dust also stops, this is due to the general's virtue and authority being widely recognized and the troops being well-disciplined. When setting up camp, if dust is rising, one should guard the direction from which the dust is coming, as there are certainly enemy troops approaching stealthily. Using dust as a means of reconnaissance in battle is also a method to assess the enemy and achieve victory.

敵陣稍長心薄者，我軍當自堅其陣。先以勁兵力沖敵陣之心，力困則益兵進之；俟敵陣稍動而來救於心，則退沖心之兵，復堅我陣；俟敵陣稍動，則麾我兩稍之兵乘之。若敵陣心實而稍圓，不可輕擊，俟變而後動焉。

If the enemy's formation stretches out on both wings but is weak in the center, my forces should first solidify our own formation, then use our elite troops to attack the enemy's center with full strength. When our forces are exhausted, we should reinforce and continue the attack. Wait until the enemy's wings become disordered and withdraw troops to defend the center, then withdraw our attacking forces and re-establish our formation. When the enemy's formation becomes disordered again, command our flanking forces to strike at the opportunity. If the enemy's center is strong and their wings are compact, do not attack rashly; wait until their formation changes before taking action.

若敵陣於死地，部伍齊肅如一者，此將賢而兵精也，不可輕擊焉。陣於死地，部伍不肅，多動多嘩，旗幟撩亂，此皆將軍愚昧，不能擇地利，使士伍心動故也，可迫而擊之，必勝也。

If the enemy is arrayed in a position of death but their ranks are orderly and solemn as one, this indicates that their general is capable and their soldiers are elite, and they should not be attacked lightly. If they are arrayed in a position of death but their ranks are disorderly, their movements are chaotic, their clamor is incessant, and their banners are disarrayed, this is because their general is foolish and has not chosen a favorable terrain, causing the soldiers' morale to be unstable. In such a case, one should press forward to attack and is sure to win.

若陣於生地，人馬利於出入，行列嚴整，旌旗如畫，金鼓應節，人無喧囂，此將有謀而善於得地利者也，不可輕擊。敵陣於生地，令不嚴肅，行列不整，進退不節，此蓋將內不能曉軍政，外不能擇地利故也。吏士之心必不固，可放兵擊之，必勝也。若敵陣左右山峽而不能盈者，可擊也；列陣而不能順其地勢者，可擊也。是知善戰者，莫不能此而能料其勝負也。

If the enemy has set up their army in a favorable position, their troops can move in and out easily, their formations are well-ordered, their banners are clearly visible and vividly arranged, and their gongs and drums are sounded in harmony with the rhythm, with no noise from the soldiers, this indicates that the enemy general is strategic and skilled in utilizing terrain advantages, and should not be attacked lightly. If the enemy is stationed in a favorable position but their commands are not strict, their formations are disorderly, and their movements do not follow proper rhythm, this is likely because the enemy general is not well-versed in military discipline internally and is not adept at choosing advantageous terrain externally. The soldiers' hearts are certainly unstable, so we can launch an attack and surely win. If the enemy's forces are positioned on both sides of a mountain pass but their numbers are insufficient, we can attack. If the enemy's formation does not conform to the terrain, we can attack. Thus, those skilled in warfare always use these factors to predict the outcome of battles.