The Eighth Chapter on Terrain

凡立營之地，非生氣不旺，非山不固。營壘之法，欲北據連山，南恁高崗，左右襟帶地水東流。故自乾山伏下，旁連子丑寅卯之地，入於巽宮。未申酉戌地欲高，前欲有迎生平穩，地勢欲支條脈散，氣候欲鬱，茂林叢聳，四維阜隴欲如雞籠映起。巽上欲水順流，地欲順東南。

Whenever choosing a site for encampment, there must be a flow of life qi and a reliance on hills to ensure prosperity and stability. The key principles for selecting a campsite are: having mountains to the north as a backrest, a high hill to the south as a support, and water flowing eastward on both sides like the edges of a robe. Therefore, the mountain range should descend from the northwest乾 position, connecting with the terrain of Zi, Chou, Yin, and Mao (from north to east), and finally converge into the southeast Xun sector. The terrain of Wei, Shen, You, and Xu (from southwest to northwest) should be elevated, with a flat and stable area in front to welcome the life qi. The terrain should branch out like a tree, with clear and spread-out ridges, a warm and humid climate, dense forests, and small hills around the four corners resembling a chicken coop. The water in the Xun sector (southeast) should flow smoothly outward, and the terrain should slope toward the southeast.

凡造壘之時，先從戊己上起板築。若或其地草木不生則去之，鳥獸不集則去之，古城古社則去之，窯灶古墓則去之，焦石砂礫則去之，河水逆流則去之。此六者，營壘之大忌也。

Whenever constructing a camp, one should first begin building from the central direction governed by Wu and Ji. If the area does not support growth of grass and trees, it should be abandoned; if birds and beasts do not gather there, it should be abandoned; if it is an abandoned ancient city or an old earth altar site, it should be abandoned; if there are kiln sites, hearth sites, or ancient tombs, it should be abandoned; if the ground is covered with burnt stones and sand, it should be abandoned; if the river flows backward and is not smooth, it should also be abandoned. These six situations are the greatest taboos for setting up a camp.

山如蟠龍，旺案數重，宛轉斜曲，首尾相從。山如鳳凰，翅翼開張，群隊十萬，帶挾隴崗，前禦印綬，後有迴翔。山如飛龍，支翼遠通，或驚或躍，官橫乍從，臺嶺池間，舞鶴連鴻。

The following lists the mountain shapes suitable for setting up camp. If the mountain shape resembles a coiled dragon: the front case mountain is dense and layered, the mountain range winds and curves, with the head and tail corresponding to each other. If the mountain shape resembles a phoenix: both wings spread wide, capable of accommodating ten thousand troops stationed in divisions, with ridges on both sides, a small mountain like a seal ribbon in front to guard, and the mountain range behind winding and circling. If the mountain shape resembles a flying dragon: the branches and wings stretch far away, suddenly rising as if startled, suddenly leaping as if flying, the mountain ridges lie horizontally and follow the trend, with terraces, ridges, and ponds alternating, forming a shape like dancing cranes and flying geese in succession.

山如母狗，頭拳尾就，腹內乳見，項上連首。山如生蛇，或曲或斜，後崗前合，隱為藏車。山如麒麟，乍立乍蹲，群從數萬，朝者數人。山如臥牛，屈膝拳頭，三光照覆，兩水分流，屬帶林隴，依附土丘。

The mountain shape resembles a mother dog: its head is curled, its tail is drawn in, and on one side of its abdomen there is a small hill like a nipple; the neck and head are connected as one. The mountain shape resembles a living snake: it may be coiled or slanting, with a mountain ridge behind and a gathering formation in front, and the concealed areas are suitable for hiding carriages. The mountain shape resembles a qilin: it suddenly stands or crouches, with thousands of attendant mountains, but only a few mountains face forward to pay homage. The mountain shape resembles a lying ox: its knees are bent, its head is curled, with the light of the sun, moon, and stars shining and protecting it, two streams of water flow down separately, accompanied by forests and ridges, and it is beside hills.

山如伏鱉，四方無缺，清泉東流，亢陽下歇，三門起高，一戶雙闕。山如游龍，倚伏數重，華蓋隱隱，美草茸茸，前如雀躍，後如雞籠，剛柔順俯，八卦皆通。山如舞鶴，翅翼仰搏，開拓胸臆，首尾盤礴。如此者，皆可以居之也。

The mountain shape resembles a lying turtle: the four sides are square and complete without any缺口, clear spring water flows eastward, excessive yang energy is restrained and stops here, three mountain passes are elevated, and one entrance has two sides facing each other like twin gateways. The mountain shape resembles a flying dragon: the mountain peaks rely on and embrace each other in layers, forming a shape like the shadow of "Huagai" (a star name, here referring to a dome-shaped mountain form), with lush grass, the front mountain shape resembles a startled quail, and the rear mountain shape resembles a chicken coop embracing, combining sharpness and softness, and all eight directions of the trigrams are unobstructed. The mountain shape resembles a dancing crane: both wings are raised as if ready to strike, the valley like a chest is broad and open, and the head and tail curl and stretch in a grand manner. Any mountain area with these characteristics is suitable for setting up camps.

南有汙池為朱雀，北有堆阜為玄武，東有叢林為青龍，西有大道為白虎。四獸既具，八卦既列，乃立表測影，以定子午之位（立表法在前）。若夫朱雀無頂，不可居也；玄武折足，不可居也；白虎銜刀，不可居也；青龍悲哭，不可居也。強居之者，軍覆將死。

The camp's southern side has a pond, which is the image of the Vermilion Bird; the northern side has a mound, which is the image of the Black Tortoise; the eastern side has dense woods, which is the image of the Azure Dragon; the western side has a broad road, which is the image of the White Tiger. With the images of the four divine beasts complete and the eight trigrams properly arranged, set up a gnomon to measure the shadow, thus determining the directions of due south and due north (the method of measuring shadows is explained in the previous chapter "Measuring Shadows"). If there is no mountain to rely on in the Vermilion Bird direction, do not set up camp there; if the mountain foot is broken in the Black Tortoise direction, do not set up camp there; if there are sharp stones resembling a sword in the White Tiger direction, do not set up camp there; if the water in the Azure Dragon direction sounds like weeping, do not set up camp there. To camp in such places will result in the entire army being destroyed and the commander dying.

外壘，一軍一萬二千五百人，以十人為火，一千二百五十火。幕數一如是。幕長一丈六尺，舍十人，守地一尺六寸。以三為奇，以三千七百五十人為奇數，餘人八千七百五十人分為八陣。陣有一千九百九十七分五銖，守地一千七百五十尺。八陣積尺，守地一萬四千尺。積步二千三百七十二步，餘二尺。積裡六里，餘一百七十三步二尺。以壘四面乘之，一面得地一里，餘二百二十三步。壘內得地十四頃十七畝，餘一百九十步四尺五寸六分，以為外壘。

First, the outer rampart. One army consists of 12,500 soldiers, organized into groups of ten called 'fire' units, totaling 1,250 fire units. The number of tents is also 1,250. Each tent is sixteen feet long and accommodates ten soldiers, with each soldier occupying a space of one foot six inches. According to a third of the total, 3,750 soldiers are designated as reserve forces, while the remaining 8,750 are divided into eight formations. Each formation consists of 1,093 soldiers with a remainder (the original text states 'one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven and five parts of a coin', which may have errors), occupying an area of 1,750 feet. In total, the eight formations occupy 14,000 feet, which is equivalent to 2,372 steps and two feet, further converted to six li and 173 steps and two feet. Dividing this area equally among the four sides of the rampart, each side has an area of one li and 223 steps. The total enclosed area within the rampart is fourteen qing and seventeen mu, plus an additional 190 steps and four feet five inches and six parts of a foot. This is the scale of the outer rampart.

天陣居乾為天門，地陣居坤為地門，風陣居巽為風門，雲陣居坎為雲門，飛龍陣居震為飛龍門，虎翼陣居兌為虎翼門，鳥翔陣居離為鳥翔門，蛇盤陣居艮為蛇盤門。天地風雲為四正，龍虎鳥蛇為四奇。乾坤艮巽為闔門，離坎兌震為開門。有牙旗遊隊列左右偏，將軍居壘，門禁出入。外有遊軍，兩端前有沖，後有軸，四隅有鋪。

The eight formations are arranged according to the trigrams: the Heaven Formation is located at the Qian position (Northwest), with the gate facing it called the Heaven Gate; the Earth Formation is at the Kun position (Southwest), called the Earth Gate; the Wind Formation is at the Xun position (Southeast), called the Wind Gate; the Cloud Formation is at the Kan position (Due North), called the Cloud Gate; the Flying Dragon Formation is at the Zhen position (Due East), called the Flying Dragon Gate; the Tiger Wing Formation is at the Dui position (Due West), called the Tiger Wing Gate; the Bird Soaring Formation is at the Li position (Due South), called the Bird Soaring Gate; and the Snake Coiling Formation is at the Gen position (Northeast), called the Snake Coiling Gate. The Heaven, Earth, Wind, and Cloud Formations are known as the Four Principal Formations. The Dragon, Tiger, Bird, and Snake Formations are known as the Four Extraordinary Formations. The gates at Qian, Kun, Gen, and Xun are always closed, while the gates at Li, Kan, Dui, and Zhen are always open. There are also mobile units with tree-shaped flags stationed on both sides, with the commander seated in the center of the camp. Strict prohibitions are in place against unauthorized entry or exit from any gate. Outside the camp, there are also mobile forces, with charging formations at the front and axle formations at the back, and sentries stationed at the four corners.

中壘，以奇兵三千七百五十人為中壘，守地六千尺，積步得二里，餘二百八十步。以壘四面乘之，一面得二百五十步。壘內地二頃六十畝，餘一百步。六纛、旗鼓、五麾、金鼓、府藏，皆在中壘。

Now regarding the Middle Encampment. The 3,750 men used as a surprise force formed the Middle Encampment, occupying an area of 6,000 feet, equivalent to two li and 280 bu. The encampment was evenly divided on all four sides, with each side measuring 250 bu. The area enclosed within the encampment was 2 qing and 60 mu, with an additional 100 bu remaining. Six large banners, flags and drums, five-colored command flags, and instruments for sounding signals such as gongs and drums, along with the stored supplies of the treasury, were all set up within the Middle Encampment.

（圖缺）

(The original text here included a diagram of the Wu Qi camp, but the diagram has been lost.)

背山崗，面坡澤，前後險阻，其地狹窄之營也。凡偃月外營，以四六分，幕一萬人，以六千人守地九千六百尺，積得前一千六百步，積得四里，餘一百六十步為營。轉以六千四百尺，得步一千六十六步四尺為弦。弦置三門，相去三里五十步一尺五寸。營內有地一十五頃八十五畝五十八步四尺。右置上弦門，中偃月門，左下弦門。

The Yanyue camp is a military formation used when the terrain is narrow and surrounded by natural obstacles on both front and back, with the camp situated against a hill and facing a slope. The shape resembles a half-moon. The outer Yanyue camp is arranged with troops in a ratio of four to six: the camp can accommodate ten thousand soldiers, of which six thousand are stationed on the ground covering nine thousand six hundred feet. This is converted into a front arc length of one thousand six hundred steps, which equals four li and one hundred and sixty bu. The remaining six thousand four hundred feet amount to one thousand and sixty-six bu and four chi, forming the "chord" of the camp (the straight line connecting the two ends of the arc). Three gates are opened along the chord, each separated by three li, fifty bu, and one chi five cun. The area enclosed within the camp is fifteen qing, eighty-five mu, fifty-eight bu, and four chi. The right side has the upper chord gate, the center has the Yanyue gate, and the left side has the lower chord gate.

偃月中營，營以二千五百人守地四千尺，積得六百六十步餘四尺，積步得一里，餘三百步四尺。每幕加地四尺五寸四分。每幕營中兩廂置土馬一十二匹，大小如常馬，被其鞍。令士卒披甲冑，橐弓矢，佩刀劍，持矛盾，左右上下，以便習事。

The central camp of Yanyue Camp uses two thousand five hundred soldiers to guard an area of four thousand feet, which is equivalent to six hundred and sixty steps and four feet, or one li, three hundred steps, and four feet. Each tent adds an area of four feet five inches and four parts. On both sides of each tent camp, twelve earthen brick models of horses are placed, the size of real horses, equipped with saddles. Soldiers are made to wear armor, carry bows and arrows, wear swords, and hold shields and spears, practicing repeatedly on both sides and above and below the model horses, in order to become familiar with mounting, dismounting, and fighting on horseback.

（圖缺）

The original text here included a diagram of the crescent camp, but the diagram has been lost.

凡弩，古有黃連、百竹、八擔、雙弓之號。今有絞車弩，中七百步，攻城拔壘用之；蹶張弩，中三百步，騎用之。凡臨敵用不過一二發，故戰陣不便於弩用也。

The type of weapon called "弩" (crossbow) in ancient times was known by names such as "Huang Lian," "Bai Zhu," "Ba Dan," and "Shuang Gong." In modern times, there are types such as "Jiao Che Nu" (winch crossbow), which can reach a range of seven hundred steps and is used for attacking fortifications; and "Jue Zhang Nu" (foot-powered crossbow), which is operated by foot tread and has a range of three hundred steps, used by cavalry. However, in actual combat, a single crossbow can only fire once or twice, making it inconvenient to use in close combat situations.

弩不可離於短兵，常別為隊攢箭註射，則前無立兵，對無橫陣。復以陣中張陣外射，番次輪回，張而復出，射而復入。如是則弩無絕聲，敵無薄我矣。夫置弩必處其高，爭奪山川守隘塞之口者，非弩不克焉。

Therefore, archers cannot be separated from the protection of short weapons like swords and spears. They are usually organized into separate arrow teams, concentrating their arrows on a single point to prevent enemies from standing firm in front or forming a solid line on the opposite side. They also adopt a method of stringing the bows inside the formation and firing from outside, taking turns: those who have drawn their bows step out to shoot, and after firing, they return to the formation to restring their bows. This process continues cyclically, ensuring that the sound of the bows never stops, making it impossible for the enemy to approach closely. Archers must be stationed on high ground; whenever there is a contest for mountain passes or key terrain, or when defending strategic points, without using bows, the enemy cannot be driven back.

欲教之時，乃下命曰：張弩後左廂丁字立，當弩八字立。高揎手，垂衫襟，左手承撞，右手迎上，當心開張，張有闊狹，在腔右膊，還復當心，安箭高舉射敵。

When training bowmen, give the following commands: after the string is drawn, the people on the left side should stand in a 'ding' formation, and the person facing the bow should stand in a 'ba' formation. Roll up the sleeves high and lower the collar. The left hand should support the bow arm, while the right hand approaches to draw the string, aiming at the center of the chest. The draw should be wide or narrow depending on the situation. The bow should be pressed against the right shoulder, then return to the center of the chest. Then fit the arrow, raise the bow, and aim at the enemy to shoot.

敵遠，擡頭放；敵近，平身放；敵左右，回身放；敵在高，掣腳放。箭訖唱殺，卻掣拗蠍尾，覆弩在地焉。此教弩之法也。

When the enemy is at a distance, raise the弩 and shoot; when the enemy is nearby, hold the弩 level and shoot; when the enemy is on either side, turn around and shoot; when the enemy is on high ground, step back, raise the body, and shoot. After all arrows are fired, shout together "kill," then release the弩's trigger mechanism shaped like a scorpion's tail to let the string slacken, and place the弩 on the ground to await further orders. This is the method of training弩 soldiers.

（圖缺）

(The original book here included a diagram teaching the use of the bow, but the diagram has been lost.)

凡射必中席而坐，一膝正當梁，一膝前堅按席，稍吐下，稍向左，微令上傾向右。然後取箭，覆其手微拳第二，令節齊。以三指撚箭三分之一，加弓，手亦三分之一。以左手頭指受，不則轉弓。令弦稍離身，即易見箭之高下，取其平直。

When practicing archery, one should first sit upright in the center of the mat, with one knee directly facing the center seam of the mat and the other knee in front pressing firmly against the mat. The upper body should be slightly leaning forward and slightly leaning to the left, then gently tilt the upper body to the right. Then, take the arrow: keep the back of the hand facing up, slightly bend the second finger into a fist so that all finger joints are aligned. Use three fingers to grip the arrow shaft at one-third of its length, place the arrow on the bowstring, and hold the bow at one-third of its length. Use the index finger of the left hand to support the arrow shaft, otherwise the bow will rotate. Keep the bowstring slightly away from the body so that it is easier to see the height of the arrowhead, allowing the arrow to be adjusted to be straight.

然後擡弓離席，目視其地，按手頤下引之，令滿持其弓。手與控指及右臂肘平如水準，令其肘可措杯水。故曰端身如幹，執臂如枝。直臂者，非初直也。駕弦畢，使引之，比及滿，使臂直是也。引去不得急，急則失威儀而不主皮；不得緩，緩則力難為而箭去遲。惟善者能之。

Then lift the bow away from the seat, first fix your eyes on the ground, place your hand under your chin to draw the bow, and pull it fully while holding it steady. The hand holding the bow, the fingers pulling the string, and the right arm's elbow should be level like a level instrument; the elbow should be high enough to hold a cup of water without spilling. Therefore, the body should be upright like a tree trunk, and the arms extended like branches. What is meant by "straight arm" is not to stretch the arm straight from the beginning, but to start drawing the bow after the string is in place, and when the bow is fully drawn, the arm naturally becomes straight. Pulling the string should not be too quick, for hastiness leads to loss of composure and the arrow will not penetrate the leather target; nor should it be too slow, for slowness causes difficulty in maintaining the draw and the arrow will be released sluggishly. Only a skilled archer can achieve the perfect balance.

箭與弓地齊為滿，地平之中為盈，胄信矣而術準。要令大指知簇到，然後發箭。故曰簇無（一作不）上指必無中理，指不知簇同於無目。試之到也，或以目視簇，馬上與暗中則乖。此為無術矣。

Drawing the arrow nock to the same level as the bow is called "full." When the arrow is exactly level with the bow, it is called "abundant." At this point, the posture becomes reliable and the technique accurate. The key is for the thumb to sense that the arrow has been drawn to the correct position before releasing it. Therefore, if the arrow nock does not reach the thumb, there is no chance of hitting the target; if the fingers cannot sense the position of the arrow nock, it is like being blind. This entirely depends on the fingers to test whether the arrow is drawn properly. If one relies only on sight to judge the arrow's position, it becomes completely ineffective when on horseback or in the dark. This is called having no technique.

故矢在弓右，視在弓左，箭發則靡其肖，厭其肘，仰其腕，目以註之，手以註之，心以趣之，其不中何為其易。矢量其弓，弓量其力。無動容，無作色，和其肢體，調其氣息，一其心志，謂之指式。知此五者為上德。故曰莫患弓軟，復當自遠；莫患力羸，當常引之。

Therefore, the arrow is placed on the right side of the bow, yet the gaze is fixed on the left side of the bow; when the arrow is released, the body follows suit, pressing down the elbow, lifting the wrist, focusing the eyes on it, stabilizing it with the hand, and directing it with the mind. If it still does not hit the target, that would be extraordinary. The length of the arrow should match the bow, and the strength of the bow should match one's arm strength. Maintain a calm expression, remain silent, coordinate the limbs, regulate the breath, and concentrate the mind. This is called "zhishi" (the technique of aiming). To understand these five principles is to attain the highest virtue in archery. Therefore, do not complain about a soft bow; a soft bow can still shoot far. Do not complain about weak strength; as long as one frequently practices drawing the bow, strength will naturally increase.

但力勝其弓則容貌和，發無不中。故始學者先學持滿，雖能制弓定其體，然後射之。初去地一丈，百發百中。寸以加之，漸到於百步，亦百發百中，乃為之術成。或升其的於高，或致其的於下，或以禽獸為的也。

As long as one has sufficient arm strength and can control the bow properly, the posture will be calm and harmonious, and every arrow shot will hit the target. Therefore, beginners should first practice holding the bow steady. Only after being able to control the bow and stabilize the body can they proceed to shoot. Initially, the target should be placed at a distance of one zhang from the body, and practice until achieving a hundred percent accuracy. Then, gradually increase the distance by an inch at a time, extending it up to one hundred steps, still achieving perfect accuracy. This marks the completion of archery training. Additionally, one can practice shooting at targets placed high up, low down, or using live animals as targets.

凡弓惡左（一作右）傾，箭惡直懦（音溥），頤惡旁引，頭惡腳垂（一作既），胸惡前亞，背惡後偃，皆射之骨髓病也。故身前竦為猛虎方騰，額前臨為捧兒欲鬥，出弓如懷中吐月，平箭如弦上懸衡，此皆有容儀之善也。

Shooting arrows is most忌讳 these faults: the bow leaning to the left (「left」is sometimes read as「right」), the arrow shaft being soft and not straight (「懦」is read as「pu」), the chin leaning sideways while drawing the bow, the head hanging low, the chest sagging forward, and the back arching backward—these are deep-rooted ailments in the art of shooting. Conversely, the body should be upright like a tiger about to leap, the forehead bent forward like a strong man lifting a child in preparation for combat, pushing the bow out as if exhaling a full moon from the chest, and leveling the arrow as if a balance scale is suspended on the bowstring—these are the proper and graceful postures.

控弦者二法：無名指壓小指，令中指壓大指，頭指當弦直立，中國法也；屈大指，以頭指壓勾指，此胡法也。胡法力少利馬上，漢法力多利步用。然其特妙在頭指間，世人皆以其指末齪弦，致箭曲又傷羽。但令指面隨弦直堅，則脆而易中，其致遠乃過常數步。古人以為神而秘之。故法不使大指過頭指，亦為妙爾。其執弓於便把箭入厄後，當四節指本節，平其大指成（即承）鏃，卻其頭指使不礙，則和美有聲而後快也。射之道備矣。

There are two methods of drawing the bowstring: one involves pressing the little finger with the ring finger and the thumb with the middle finger, while the index finger stands straight against the bowstring, which is the method used in the Central Plains; the other involves curling the thumb to hook the string and then pressing the thumb with the index finger, which is the method used by the Hu people. The Hu method is easier and more suitable for use on horseback, while the Han method is more laborious but better suited for foot combat. However, the most refined aspect lies in the use of the index finger: people usually use the tip of the finger to bite the bowstring, resulting in a curved arrow and damage to the feather. If instead the palm of the finger is aligned with the string and pressed straight against it, the release is smooth and efficient, making it easier to hit the target and increasing the range by several steps. Ancients regarded this as a divine technique and kept it secret. Therefore, the rule of not allowing the thumb to cross the index finger is precisely due to this advantage. When holding the bow, after placing the arrow in the bow's grip, the fourth finger's base should press against it, the thumb should be flat to support the arrowhead (the term 'cheng' is actually 'cheng' meaning 'support'), and the index finger should be spread out so as not to interfere. In this way, the release is smooth and pleasant, with a clear and crisp bowstring sound, which is considered complete mastery of archery.

凡教旗幟，平原曠野登高遠視處，大將居其上，南向。左右各置鼓一十二面，各樹五色旗，六纛居前，列旗節次之。監軍使禦史裨副次，左右衙官隊如偃月形為後騎。下臨平野，使士卒目見旌旗，耳聞鼓角，心存號令。

All military banners and flags should be set up in open plains and wide fields where one can look far and wide. The general should sit on a high place facing south. On both sides, twelve war drums should be placed, each side having five-colored flags. Six large banners should be arranged in front, followed by other banners and symbols in order. The military inspectors, censors, assistants, and deputy generals should be arranged in sequence. The troops led by the left and right officials should be arranged in a crescent formation, serving as the rear cavalry. Below the platform, the open field should be visible to the soldiers, allowing them to see the banners with their eyes, hear the drums and horns with their ears, and remember the signals in their minds.

乃命十將左右決勝將總一十二將一萬二千人去。兵刃以精新，甲冑幡幟分為左右廂，各以兵馬使為長，班布其次。陣間容陣，隊間容隊，曲間容曲。以長參短，以短參長。回軍轉隊，以後為前，以前為後。進無奔迸，退無遽走（孫子所謂“紛紛紜紜，鬥亂而不可亂；渾渾沌沌，形圓而不可敗”者，此之謂也）。

Thus, he ordered twelve generals, including the ten commanders and the left and right decisive commanders, to lead an army of twelve thousand soldiers for a drill. The weapons must be well-made and new. Armor and banners were arranged on the left and right sides, each under the command of a military officer in charge of troops, arranged in order. The formations should be spaced so that one formation can fit between another, and the units should be spaced so that one unit can fit between another; the 'curves' (a unit larger than a squad) should also be spaced so that one curve can fit between another. Long weapons should be mixed with short ones, and short ones with long ones. When turning back or changing units, the rear unit becomes the front, and the front becomes the rear. When advancing, they must not rush recklessly; when retreating, they must not scatter in panic. This is exactly what the "Art of War by Sun Tzu" refers to when it says, "In confusion, the army remains orderly; in chaos, the formation remains intact."

以正合，以奇勝。聽音視麾，乍合而乍動之便也。每一陣分校（四校皆有立校），五校各立將軍校尉，以準於古。每校亦各自陣數，其分佈隊伍皆準圖之（逐部兵器率以槍戰）。戈鉦居首隊而包於弓弩焉（包於弓弩，一作包弓弩於十）。左校以青龍旗表之，右校以白虎旗表之，中校軒轅大將所處。左鼓右旗，四陣普同。謂之一隊者，三十五人。一部者，二十隊也。每一校不常其部，各列陣數應敵之勢，貴戰鬥之際前後不相交亂也。

Employing regular troops to fight directly with the enemy and using surprise tactics to achieve victory. Soldiers listen to the sound of drums and horns and look at the banners to know when to gather or move, all depending on the commander's swift instructions. Each formation is divided into several units (each of the four units has its own commander), and each of the five units is led by a general and a commander, following ancient customs. Each unit also has its own formation, and the arrangement of troops follows the formation diagrams (the weapons of each unit are generally mainly long spears). Those holding spears and sounding gongs are placed in the front line, with archers and crossbowmen surrounding them (in some editions it is written as 'surrounded by archers and crossbows on the tenth'). The left unit uses the Azure Dragon flag as its identifier, the right unit uses the White Tiger flag, and the central unit is where the Yellow Emperor's great general sits. On the left, drums are beaten; on the right, flags are raised; all four formations are the same. A 'unit' consists of thirty-five men, and a 'division' consists of twenty units. The number of divisions under each unit is not fixed; they are arranged according to the situation of the enemy, ensuring that during battle, the front and rear do not become confused or mixed up.

飛鶚陣，前校出首騎者，所以為重也。前出一部為觜，次四部為面，餘五部包之於首。左右校出騎兵者，內以副身，外以副項及首也。夫鶚以搏擊為俊，故陣欲觜爪之利焉。

Flying Eagle Formation: The vanguard cavalry units are sent out to strengthen the front line. The front part extends out to act as the bird's beak, while the following four parts form the bird's face, and the remaining five parts surround the bird's head. The cavalry units on the left and right support the bird's body internally and the bird's neck and head externally. The eagle is known for its fierce combat, so the key of this formation lies in the sharpness of the beak and claws.

重霞陣，衛其不動，即分兩穗從旁擊焉。敵若驚亂，前校騎兵兩穗進擊。步士則不可輕進，但在本處受戰。若前沖騎退即前校騎兵進，前校騎兵退即前沖騎兵進。夫雲霞以開闔進退不常其法，故前校騎兵往來氤氳以象之也。

The Heavy Mist Formation: The main defending force remains stationary, while two "branches" (two flanking columns) attack from the sides. If the enemy is startled and disorganized by the charge, the two branches of the vanguard cavalry will then attack together. The infantry must not advance rashly; they should remain in place to meet the enemy. If the charging cavalry retreats, the vanguard cavalry will take their place; if the vanguard cavalry retreats, the forward charging cavalry will take over. The formation is named after the ever-changing nature of clouds and mists, which expand, contract, advance, and retreat unpredictably. Therefore, the vanguard cavalry move back and forth, intertwining like the swirling clouds, capturing precisely this imagery.

長虹陣及八卦陣，皆有沖實。外以安敵之不意，內以衛大陣也。夫長虹以為名者，取陣形彎前扼敵之勢。八卦以名之者，取八面受敵之象也。

The Long Rainbow Formation and the Eight Trigrams Formation both have offensive and defensive arrays. They are used externally to surprise and suppress the enemy, and internally to guard the central formation. The Long Rainbow Formation is named so because its formation curves forward like a rainbow, blocking the enemy's advance. The Eight Trigrams Formation is named so because it can engage enemies from all eight directions.

凡四陣逐步結陣之法，橫七隊為首，橫七隊為身，橫六隊為尾。部兵每一部橫七十步，首橫七十步，厚十步，身亦如之，尾橫六十步，厚十步。身去首二步，前後並同。騎兵每一步橫一百四十步，厚六十步八步，首橫一百二十步，厚二步，身亦如之，尾橫一百二十步。身去首四步亦如之。

The four formations follow the general principles of infantry formations: seven ranks arranged horizontally form the front, seven ranks arranged horizontally form the body, and six ranks arranged horizontally form the rear. Each infantry unit is 70 paces wide. The front is 70 paces wide and 10 paces deep, the body is the same, and the rear is 60 paces wide and 10 paces deep. The body is 2 paces behind the front, and each section is the same. Each cavalry unit is 140 paces wide and 60 paces deep (the original text says 'thick sixty steps eight steps', with a numerical error), the front is 120 paces wide and 2 paces deep, the body is the same, and the rear is 120 paces wide. The body is 4 paces behind the front, and the rest of the sections are treated similarly.

受戰之時，大陣不可輒動，敵眾未薄則大敵離。於是三令五申：白旗點，鼓音動，則左右廂齊合；朱旗點，角聲動，則左右廂齊離。合與離皆不離中央之地。左廂陽回而旋，右廂陰回而旋，左右各復本位。

When engaging in battle, the central formation must not be moved carelessly; before the enemy approaches, efforts should be made to separate large groups of enemies. Then, repeated orders are given: when the white flag is moved and the drum sounds, the left and right flanks move together; when the red flag is moved and the horn sounds, the left and right flanks move apart. Whether moving together or apart, they must not deviate from the central position. The left flank follows the yang path and turns left, while the right flank follows the yin path and turns right. After turning, the left and right flanks return to their original positions.

白旗掉，鼓音動，左右各雲蒸鳥散，彌川絡野，然而不失部伍之疏密；朱旗掉，角聲動，左右各復本位。前後左右，無差尺寸。散則法天，聚則法地。如此則三合三離，三聚三散。不如法者，吏士罪之，務從軍令。於是大將出五彩旗十二口，各樹於左右廂陣前。每旗用壯勇士五十人，奪旗者勝，失旗者負，勝賞而負罰。離合之勢，聚散之形，勝負之理，賞罰之信，因是而教之。

White flags are waved and drums are sounded, causing the left and right flanks to spread out like clouds rising and birds scattering, covering the mountains and rivers, entwining the plains, yet the spacing between the ranks remains perfectly orderly. When red flags are waved and horns are sounded, the left and right flanks again retreat to their original positions. The distances in front, behind, left, and right are precisely maintained. When spreading out, the formation follows the boundless nature of Heaven; when gathering, it follows the vast carrying capacity of Earth. This maneuver is practiced three times for spreading out and three times for gathering, three times for assembling and three times for dispersing. Those who violate the regulations are punished according to military law, ensuring that all soldiers obey the commands. Finally, the general takes out twelve colorful flags and sets them up in front of the left and right flanks. Each flag is guarded by fifty strong soldiers. The one who captures a flag is considered victorious, and the one who loses a flag is considered defeated. Winners are rewarded, and losers are punished. The patterns of dispersal and assembly, the forms of gathering and scattering, the principles of victory and defeat, and the reliability of rewards and punishments are thus taught to the entire army through this exercise.

（圖缺）

(The original text here included a diagram of the military formation, but the diagram has been lost.)

校獵，一人守圍地三尺，量其人多少，以左右兩將為校頭，其次左右將，各主士伍為行列，皆以金鼓旗為節制。其初起圍張翼，隨山林地勢遠近部分。其合圍地，虞候先擇定訖，以善弧矢者為圍中騎。其步卒槍幡守圍，有漏獸者，坐守圍吏。大獸公之，小獸私之，以觀進止之節。亦教之一端也。

Military exercises through hunting involve using encirclement hunting to practice military formations: each person is assigned a three-foot section of the encircling area, and the size of the encircling field is determined by the number of participants. On both sides, there are two commanders serving as the main officers, each of whom has subordinates who command soldiers arranged in lines, all of whom are controlled by the sound of bells, drumbeats, and flags. Initially, the two wings are spread out to encircle, and the sections of the encircling area are divided according to the distance from the mountains and forests. The location for encirclement is first surveyed and selected by the supervisor. Archers skilled in using bows and arrows are chosen to serve as horsemen within the encircling field, while infantrymen hold spears and banners to guard the encircling area. If any wild animals escape from the encircling area, the officials responsible for that section are held accountable. Large animals caught are turned over to the state, while smaller ones belong to the individuals. This method is used to examine the soldiers' discipline in advancing, retreating, stopping, and moving, and it is also a way to train the soldiers.

夫軍中作樂，所以激揚壯氣，和其心忄舀其憂而已，故其樂但清厲峭拔雄壯之音。至於彈弦鼓簧柔靡之音，使人悲感怨懟者，皆不可取焉。其戲亦取壯猛而可觀者，樂鼓、杖笛、篥、鉦拍多少，隨部伍用戲板橛、角抵、馬騎、飛石、劍鬥、斫刀、搶牌（師子）。

Military music is played to inspire the soldiers' morale, harmonize the troops' hearts, and alleviate the worries of the soldiers. Therefore, the music selected for the military should be clear, bright, vigorous, and heroic. As for soft and靡靡 (indulgent) sounds produced by stringed instruments and wind instruments, which may cause sorrow and resentment, they are all prohibited. Military performances also select only those items that are heroic and bold, and suitable for viewing. The instruments such as drums, staffs, flutes, huqin, bells, and clappers are provided in numbers according to the size of each unit. The performance items include stick fighting (using sticks), wrestling, horseback riding and shooting, throwing stones, sword fighting, chopping with a knife, and抢牌 (which refers to performances like lion dancing).

錦袍、金帶、銀帶、銀壺瓶、金壺瓶、金錢、銀錢，每一文重一兩。所得敵人財帛，所得敵人婦女、酒食、鞍馬、弓箭、玩好等，皆充軍賜之物。

The items used as rewards for the soldiers include silk robes, gold belts, silver belts, silver bottles, gold bottles, and coins of gold and silver, with each coin weighing one liang. In addition, goods captured from the enemy such as treasures, cloth, captured enemy women, captured wine and food, saddles and horses, bows and arrows, and items for entertainment and pleasure can also be used as rewards for the soldiers.

大將軍一人，智信義勇賢明者任。副將二人，一主軍糧，一主支糧，智信仁勇忠義平直者任。總管四人，嚴勇諳識軍容者任，二主虞候，二主押衙。子將八人，明行陣金鼓曉部置者任。

A grand general is appointed, to be held by a person who is wise, strategic, loyal, and brave. Two deputy generals are appointed, one in charge of storing military provisions and the other in charge of distributing them, to be held by persons who are intelligent, trustworthy, benevolent, brave, loyal, and upright. Four senior officers are appointed, to be held by persons who are strict, brave, and familiar with military regulations, among whom two are in charge of reconnaissance and patrol (Yuhou duties) and two are in charge of guarding and ceremonial duties (Yapya duties). Eight subordinates are appointed, to be held by persons who understand military formations and maneuvers, comprehend the signals of gongs and drums, and are familiar with the organization of troops.

大將別奏八人，亻兼十六人，副大將總管別奏並同大將，忠勇有才者任。判官二人，沉厚密謀者任。偏闢腐儒，不堪令禮儀賓客祭祀，與四人兵會騎曹。

The chief general has eight subordinate officials responsible for reporting matters, and sixteen attendants who serve personally. The deputy general and the commander also have the same number of subordinate officials, all appointed from men who are loyal, brave, and capable. Two officials called "pian guan" are appointed, and they are chosen from those who are steady, serious, and skilled in secret strategies. As for remote and迂腐 scholars, they are not fit for military duties and can only be assigned to manage rituals, receive guests, and oversee worship. Another four are assigned to work together with the military office and the cavalry office.