DRAGON SECRET TEACHINGS
- JIANG ZIYA -
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KINGS WING King Wu asked T'ai Kung: “When the king commands the army he must have ‘legs and arms’ [top assistants] and ‘feather and wings’ [aides] to bring about his awesomeness and spiritual-ness how should this be done?”
T'ai Kung said: “Whenever one mobilizes the army, the commanding general should be the one giving orders. He must have an understanding of all aspects, not depending on one technique alone. In accord with their abilities, assign duties – each one taking charge of what they are good at, constantly changing and transforming the duties assign with the times, to create the essential principles and order. Thus the general has seventy two assistants in order to respond to the events that happened. Prepare the number according to the method, being careful that they know its orders and principles. When you have all the different abilities and various skills, then the myriad of affairs will be complete.” King Wu asked:”May I ask about numbers?” T'ai Kung said:”Trusted aide, one: in charge of advising about secret plans for responding to sudden events; observe the signs from Heaven so as to eliminate sudden change; exercising general supervision over all planning; and protecting and preserving the lives of the people. Advisers, five: responsible for preparing measures of security and against danger; anticipating the unforeseen; evaluating performance and ability of generals; announce rewards and punishments; appointing ranks to officers; make difficult decision; and determining what is advisable and what is not. Astrologers, three: undertaking responsibility for the stars and calendar; observing the weather; predicting auspicious days and times; investigating signs and phenomena; verifying disasters and abnormalities; and knowing Heaven’s mind with regard to the moment for completing or abandonment. Topographers, three: in charge of gathering information on the terrains that the army will pass by; precipitous and easy passages, both near and far; and water and dry land, mountains and defiles, so as not to lose the advantages of terrain. Military Strategists, nine: responsible for discussing divergent views; analyzing the probable success or failure of various operations; selecting the weapons and training men in their use; and identifying those who violate the ordinances. Supply officers, four: responsible for calculating the requirements for food and water; preparing the food stocks and supplies and transporting the provisions along the route; and supplying the fives grains so as to ensure that the army will not suffer any hardship or shortage. Guerrilla Officers, four: responsible for picking men of talent and strength; disbursing weapons and armor; for setting up attacks that strike like thunder so that the enemy does not know where they come from. Signal officers, three: responsible for the pennants and drums, for clearly signaling to the eyes and ears; for creating deceptive signs and seals to issue false designation and orders; and for stealthily and hastily moving back and forth, going in and out like spirits. ‘Limbs and Arms’ [Capable Assistants], four: responsible for undertaking heavy duties and handling difficult tasks; for the repair and maintenance of ditches and moats; and for keeping the walls and ramparts in order to defend against and repel the enemy. Liaison officers, two: responsible for gathering what has been lost and supplementing what is in error; receiving honored guests; holding discussions and talks; mitigating disasters; and resolving difficulties. Officers of Authority, three: responsible for implementing the unorthodox and deceptive; for establishing the different and unusual, things that people do not recognize; and for putting into effect, inexhaustible transformations. Information Gatherer, seven: responsible for going about everywhere, listening to what people are saying; and observing the officers all directions and gather information on army’s true situations. ‘Claws and Teeth’, five: responsible for raising awesomeness; for stimulating and encouraging the Army, causing them to risk danger and attack the enemy’s elite troops without ever having any doubts or second thoughts. ‘Feathers and Wings’, four: responsible for flourishing the name and fame of the army; for shaking distant lands with its image; and for moving all within the four borders in order to weaken the enemy’s spirit. Roving officers, eight: responsible for spying put enemy’s spies; manipulating enemy’s populace emotions; and observing the enemy’s thoughts. Basically they performs the function of spies. Mediums, two: responsible for spreading slander and falsehoods and for calling on ghosts and spirits in order to confuse the minds of the populace. Medical Officers, three: in charge of the medicines; managing blade wounds; and curing the various illnesses. Accountants, two: responsible for accounting for the provisions and foodstuff within the Three Armies’ encampments and ramparts; for the fiscal materials employed; and for receipts and disbursements. DISCUSSION OF GENERALS
King Wu asked T'ai Kung: What should a general be?
T'ai Kung replied: Generals should have five important characteristics and should not have ten flawed characters. King Wu asked: Can you please elaborate? T'ai Kung elaborated: What we refer to the five important characteristics are courage, wisdom, benevolence, trustworthiness and loyalty. If he is courageous, he cannot be overwhelmed. If he is wise, he cannot be forced into turmoil. If he is benevolent, he will love his men. If he is trustworthy, he will not be deceitful. If he is loyal, he will always have interest on the state. What are referred to as the ten flawed characters are as follows: being courageous and treating death lightly; being hasty and impatient; being greedy and lust for gains; being benevolent but unable to inflict suffering; being wise but afraid; being trustworthy and liking to trust others; being unscrupulous and incorruptible but not loving men; being wise but indecisive; being resolute and self-reliant; being fearful and very dependent on people. One who is courageous and treats death lightly can be antagonized and destroyed. One who is hasty and impatient can be destroyed by dragging the war. One who is greedy and loves profit can be bribed. One who is benevolent but unable to inflict suffering can be worn down. One who is wise but fearful can be threatened. One who is trustworthy and likes to trust others can be deceived. One who is scrupulous and incorruptible can be insulted. One who is wise but indecisive can carry surprise attack against him. One who is resolute and self-reliant can use words to pay obeisance to him. One who is fearful and likes to entrust responsibility to others can be tricked. Thus ‘War is of vital importance to the state, it is a matter of survival or extinction.’ The fate of the state lies in the hands of the general. ‘The general is the pillar of the state,’ thus the position is what all former kings all valued. Thus in commissioning a general, you cannot but carefully evaluate and investigate his characters. Thus it is said that two armies will not be victorious, nor will both be defeated. When the army ventures out beyond the borders, before they have been out ten days – even if a state has not perished – one army will certainly have been destroyed and the general killed. King Wu exclaimed: Marvelous! SELECTING GENERALS
King Wu asked T'ai Kung: If a king wants to raise an army, how should he go about selecting and generals and determining qualifications?
T'ai Kung said: There are fifteen cases where a general’s external appearance and internal character are not coherent. These are:
Those who the world disdains, the Sage values. Ordinary men cannot see through them; only great wisdom can discern them out. This is because the general’s external appearance and internal character do not visibly cohere. King Wu asked: How does one know this? T'ai Kung replied: There are eight forms of tests by which you may know it. First, question them and observe the details of their reply. Second, verbally confound and perplex them and observe how they react. Third, send a spy out to test his loyalty. Fourth, clearly and explicitly question them what you already know to see his character. Fifth, appoint them to positions of financial responsibility to observe their honesty. Sixth, test them with beautiful women to observe their uprightness and character. Seventh, confront them with difficulties to observe their courage. Eighth, get them drunk to observe their conduct. When all eight have been fully explored, then their character, values and morals can be distinguished. APPOINTING GENERALS
King Wu asked T'ai Kung: What is the process of appointing the commanding general?
T'ai Kung said:”When the state encounters danger, the ruler should avoid the Main Hall, summon the general and charge him as follows: ‘The security or endangerment of the state all lie with the army’s commanding general. At present such-and-such state does not act properly submissive. I would like you to lead the army forth to respond to it.’ “ After the general has received his mandate, command the Grand Scribe to bore the sacred tortoise shell to divine an auspicious day. Thereafter, to prepare for the chosen day, observe a vegetarian regime for three days, and then go to the ancestral temple to hand over the. After the ruler has entered the gate to the temple, he stands facing the west. The general enters the temple gate and stands facing north. The ruler personally takes the head of Axe of Authority, saying: ‘From this to Heaven above, will be controlled by the General of the Army.’ Then taking the handle of Axe of Authority, he hand it to the general, saying: ‘From this to the depths below, will be controlled by the General of the Army. When you see weaknesses in the enemy, you should advance; when you see that they are strong, you should halt. Do not assume that having the numerical advantage, we can treat the enemy lightly. Do not commit yourself to die just because you have received a heavy responsibility. Do not, because you are honored, regard other men as lowly. Do not be self opinionated and contravene the masses. Do not take verbal facility to be a sign of certainty. When officers have not yet been seated, do not sit. When the officers have not yet eaten, do not eat. You should share hardship with them. If you behave in this way the officers and masses will certainly exhaust their strength in fighting to the death.’ After the general have received his mandate, he bows and responds to the ruler: ‘I have heard that a country cannot follow the commands of another state’s government, while an army in the field cannot follow central government control. A general with two minds cannot properly serve his ruler; general in doubt cannot respond to the enemy. I have already received my mandate and taken sole control of the awesome power of Axe of Authority. I do not dare return alive. I would like to request that you condescend to grant complete and sole command to me. If you do not permit it, I dare not accept the post of the commanding general.’ The king then grants it, and the general formally takes his leaves and departs. Military matters are not determined by the ruler’s commands; they all proceed from the commanding general. When the commanding general approaches an enemy and decides to engage in battle, he is not of two minds. In this way, there is no Heaven above, no Earth below, no enemy in front and no ruler to the rear. For this reason, the wise make plans for him, the courageous fight for him. Their fighting spirit soars to the sky; they are swift like galloping steeds. Even before the blades clash, the enemy surrenders submissively. War is won outside the borders of the state, but the general’s merit is established within it. Officials are promoted and receive the highest rewards; the populace rejoices; and the general credited. For this reason, natural systems will run smoothly; the grains will grow abundantly; and the whole state will be secure and peaceful. King Wu said: Excellent! GENERALS AWESOMENESS
King Wu asked:”How does the general create and establish his awesomeness? How can he be enlightened? How can he make his prohibitions effective and get his orders implemented?”
T'ai Kung said:”The general create awesomeness by punishing the higher authority or ranks, and become enlightened by rewarding the lower ranking. Prohibitions and laws are made effective by implementing punishments carefully. Therefore if by executing one man can impact the whole army, kill him. If by rewarding one man the masses will be pleased, reward him. In executing, effect is greater when performed on the high ranking; in rewarding, effect is greater when bestowed onto low ranking. When you kill the powerful and the honored, it shows that punishment is not limited to low ranking only. When rewards extend down to the cowherds, grooms, and stablemen, it shows that rewards are not limited to high ranking only. When punishments reach the highest rank and rewards penetrate to the lowest rank, then your awesomeness has been affected and established.” MOTIVATING THE ARMY
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:” When we attack, I want the soldiers to contend with each other to scale the wall first, and compete with each other to be in the forefront when we fight in the field. When they hear the sounds of the gongs to retreat they will be angry, when they hear the sounds of the drums to advance, they will be happy. How can we accomplish this?”
T'ai Kung said:”A general has three techniques for attaining victory.” King Wu asked:”May I ask what they are?” T'ai Kung said:”If in winter, the general does not wear a fur robe, in summer, does not carry a fan, and in rain does not set up a canopy, he is called a ‘general of propriety.’ Unless the general himself submits to these observances, he will not have the means to know the cold and warmth of officers and soldiers. If, when they advance into ravines and obstacles or encounter muddy terrain, the general always takes the first steps and lead the army, he is termed a ‘general of action.’ If general does not personally set an example through action, he has no means to know the labors and hardships of the officers and soldiers. If only after the men are settled in their encampment does the general retire; only after all the cooks have finished their cooking does he go in to eat; and if the army does not light up, he also does not light up, he is termed as a ‘general who can control desires.’ Unless the general himself practices controlling his desires, he has no way to know the hunger and satiety of the officers and troops. The general shares heat and cold, labor and suffering, hunger and satiety with the officers and men. Therefore, when the soldiers hear the sound of the drum, they are happy, and when they hear the sound of the gong, they are angry. When attacking at high wall or crossing a deep lake, under a hail of arrows and stones, the officers will compete to be the first to scale the wall. When the blades clash, the officers will compete to be the first to go forward. It is not because they like death and take pleasure in being wounded, but because the general knows their feelings of heat and cold, hunger and satiety, and clearly displays his knowledge of their labor and suffering. SECRET TALLIES
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:”If we lead the army deep into the territory of the feudal lords and the army suddenly suffer some delay or require urgent action – perhaps a situation to our advantage or one to our disadvantage – and I want to communicate between those nearby and those afar, respond to the situation from the central government, in order to meet the needs of the army – how should we do it?”
T'ai Kung said:”The ruler and his generals have a system of secret tallies, altogether consisting of eight types.” “There is a tally signifying a great victory over the enemy, one foot long. There is a tally for destroying the enemy’s army and killing their general, nine inches long. There is a tally for capturing enemy’s cities, eight inches long. There is a tally for driving the enemy back and reporting deep penetration, seven inches long. There is a tally to alert the army to prepare for stalwart defensive measures, six inches long. There is a tally that request for supplies and additional soldiers, five inches long. There is a tally signifying the army’s defeat and the general’s death, four inches long. There is a tally signifying the army’s defeat and injuries to the army, three inches long.” “For those who bring in the information late, or if the information from the tally should leak out, execute all those who heard and told about it. These eight tallies which only the ruler and general should secretly know, provide a technique for covert communication that will not allow outsiders to know the true situation. Thus, even though the enemy has the sagacious wisdom of a Sage, no one will comprehend their significance.” King Wu said:”Excellent!” SECRET LETTERS
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:”The army has been lead deep into the territory of the feudal lords and the commanding general wants implement changes and make complicated plans. These matters are quite complex and the simple tally is not adequate to clearly express them, As they are separated by some distance, verbal communication cannot get through. What should we do?”
T'ai Kung said:”Whenever you have secret affairs and major considerations, letters should be employed rather than tallies. The ruler sends a letter to the general; the general uses a letter to query the ruler. The letters are composed ‘as one unit and then divided. They are sent out in three parts, with only one person knowing the contents’. ‘Divided’ means it is separated into three parts. ‘Sent out in three parts, with only one person knowing’ means there are three messengers, each carrying one part; and when the three are put together, only then does one know the contents. This is then refer to as a ‘secret letter’. Even if the enemy has sagacious wisdom, they will not be able to recognize the contents.” “Excellent!” said King Wu. ARMY'S DISPOSITION
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:”What is the Way of aggressive warfare?”
T'ai Kung replied:”Army’s attacking disposition should change in accord with the enemy’s movements. And changes coming from the confrontation between the two armies. Unorthodox and orthodox tactics are produced from inexhaustible resources of the mind. Thus the greatest affairs are not discussed, and employment of troops is not spoken about. Moreover, words which discuss ultimate affairs are not not to be discussed openly. The employment of troops is not so definitive as to be visible. They go suddenly, they come suddenly. Only when someone who can exercise sole control over the army, without being governed by other men, is a military weapon.” “If your plans are heard about, the enemy will make counter-plans. If you are perceived, they will plot against you. If your objectives are known, they will put you in difficulty. If you are fathomed, they will endanger you.” “Thus one who excels in warfare has already won before the deployment of forces. One who excels at eliminating the misfortunes of the people manages them before they appear. Conquering the enemy, being victorious by being formless. The superior fighter has won before engaging in battle. Thus one who fights and attains victory in using blades is not a good general. One who makes preparation after the battle has been lost is not a superior sage. One whose skill is the same as the masses is not a superior artisan.” “In military affairs, nothing is more important than certain victory. In employing the army, nothing is more important than obscurity and silence. In movement, nothing is more important than the unexpected. In planning, nothing is more important than not being knowable. To be the first to gain victory, initially display some weakness to the enemy and only afterward do battle. Then your effort will be half, but the achievement will be doubled.” “The Sage observes signs from the movements of Heaven and Earth and knows its principles. He observes the movement of the sun and the moon and understand their seasonal activity. He follows the cycles of day and night, taken them as his constant. All things have life and death in accord with the principles of Heaven and Earth. Thus it is said that if one fights before understanding the situation, even if he is more numerous, he will certainly be defeated.” “One who excels at warfare will await events in the situation without making any movement. When he sees he can be victorious, he will arise; if he sees he cannot be victorious, he will desist. Thus it is said that he does not have any fear, he does not vacillate. Of the many harms that can beset an army, indecision is the greatest. Of disasters that can befall an army, none surpasses doubt.” “One who excels in warfare will not lose an advantage when he perceives it or be doubtful when he meets the opportunity. One who loses an advantage or lags behind the time for action will, on the contrary, suffer from disaster. Thus the wise follow the time and do not lose an advantage; the skilful are decisive and have no doubts. He strikes like a sudden clap of thunder, which does not give time to cover ears; strike like a flash of lightning, which does not give time to close the eyes. Advance as is suddenly startled; employ your troops as if deranged. Those who oppose you will be destroyed; those who come near will perish. Who can defend against such an attack?” “Now when matters are not discussed and general preserves their secrecy, he is superior. When things are not manifest but he discerns them, he is wise. Thus if superior and wise, no enemies will act against him in the field, nor will any state stand against him.” “Excellent!” said King Wu. INDIRECT TROOPS
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:” In general, what are the most essential in the art of employing the army?”
T'ai Kung replied:”The ancients who excelled at warfare does not mean he excel in waging war above Heaven, nor they waging war below Earth. Their success and defeat in all cases proceeded from their spirit like disposition. Those how attained it flourish; those who lost it perished. Now when our two armies, opposing each other, have deployed their armored soldiers and established their battle arrays, releasing some of your troops to create chaos in the ranks is the means by which to fabricate deceptive changes. Deep Grass and dense growth are the means by which to effect a concealed escape. Valleys with streams and treacherous ravines are the means by which to stop chariots and defend against cavalry. Narrow passes and mountains forests are the means by which a few can attack a large force. Marshy depressions and secluded dark areas are the means by which to conceal your appearance. Deploying on clear, open ground without any concealment is the means by which to fight with strength and courage. Being as swift as flying arrow, attacking as suddenly as the release of a crossbow are the ways by which to destroy brilliant plans. Setting up ingenious ambushes and preparing indirect troops, stretching out distant formations to deceive and entice the enemy are the means by which to destroy the enemy’s army and capture its general. Dividing your troops are the means by which by attack their circular formations and destroy their square ones. Taking advantage of their fright and fear is the means by which one can attack ten. Taking advantage of their exhaustion and encamping at dusk are the means by which ten can attack one hundred. Unorthodox technical skills are the means by which to cross deep waters and ford across rivers. Strong crossbows and long weapons are the means by which to fight across water. Distant observation posts and far-off scouts, explosive haste and feigned retreats are the means by which to force the surrender of walled fortifications and compel the submission of towns. Drumming and advance and setting up a great tumult are the means by which to implement unorthodox plans. Attacking during high winds and heavy rain are the means by which to strike the front and seize the rear. Disguising some men as enemy emissaries is the means by which to sever supply lines. Forging enemy commands and orders and wearing the same clothes as the enemy are the means by which to be prepared for retreat. Warfare which is invariably in accord with righteousness is the means by which to incite masses and be victorious over the enemy. Honored ranks and generous rewards are the means by which to encourage obeying orders. Severe punishments and heavy fines are the means by which to force the weary and indolent to advance. Happiness and anger, bestowing and taking away, civil and martial measures, at times slowly, at others rapidly – all these are the means by which to order and harmonize the army, to govern and unify subordinates. Occupying high ground is the means by which to be alert and assume a defensive posture. Holding defiles and narrows is the means by which to be solidly entrenched defensively. Mountain forests and dense growth are the means by which to come and go silently. Deep moats, high ramparts, and large reserves of supplies are the means by which to fight a prolong wall. Thus it is said, ‘One who does not know how to plan for aggressive warfare cannot be spoken with about the enemy. One who cannot divide and move his troops about cannot be spoken with about unorthodox strategies. One who does not have deep understanding of both order and chaos cannot be spoken with about changes.’ Accordingly it is said:’If the general is not benevolent, then the army will not be close to or support him. If the general is not courageous, then the army will not be fierce. If the general is not wise, then the army will be in doubts. If the general is not perspicacious, then the army will be confounded. If the general is not quick-witted and acute, then the army will lose the opportunity. If the general is not constantly alert, the army will be weak in defense. If the general is not strong and forceful, then the army will fail in their duty.’ Thus the general is the Master of Fate. The army is ordered because of him, and they are disordered because of him as well. If one obtains someone who is worthy to serve as general, the army will be strong and the state will prosper. If one does not obtain a worthy as general, the army will be weak and state will perish.” “Excellent!” said King Wu. FIVE NOTES
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:”From the sound of the pitch pipes, can we know the fluctuations of the army, foretell victory and defeat?”
T'ai Kung said:”Your question is profound indeed! Now there are twelve pipes, with five major notes: Gong, Shang, Jiao, Zheng and Yu. These are basic, orthodox sounds, unchanged for over thousands of generations. The spirits of the five notes is similar to the five elements. Metal, wood, water, fire and earth – each according to their conquest relationship, can be employed to counteract each other – the five notes can be used to know more about the enemy. In antiquity, during the period of the Three Sage Emperors, they use the nature of vacuity and non-action to govern the hard and strong. They didn’t have characters for writing; everything proceeded from in accordance to the behavior of the five elements. The behavior of the five elements is in accordance to Heaven and Earth. The division into the six jia is a realization of marvelous and subtle spirit. Their method was, when the day had been clear and calm – without any clouds, wind or rain – to send light cavalry out in the middle of the night, to approach the enemy’s fortifications. Stopping about nine hundred paces away, they would all lift their pipes to their ears and then yell out to startle the enemy. There would be a very small, subtle sound that would respond in the pitch pipes. If the Jiao note responded among the pipes, then we should attack from the west. If the Zheng note responded in the pipes, then we should attack from the north. If the Shang note responded in the pipes, then we should attack from the south. If the Yu note responded in the pipes, then we should attack its center. If none of the notes responded, it is Gong, then we should attack from the east. These signs of the five notes are evidence to assist in the conquest, the subtle moments of success and defeat.” “Excellent!” said King Wu. T'ai Kung continued:”These subtle, mysterious notes all have external indications.” “How can we know them?” King Wu asked. T'ai Kung replied:”When the enemy has been startled into movement, listen for them. If you hear the sound of the drums, then it is the Jiao. If you see the flash of lights from a fire, then it is Zheng. If you hear the sounds of metals, that of spears and halberds, then it is Shang If you hear the sound of people sighing, it is Yu. If all is silent, without any sound, then it is Gong. These five are signs of sound and appearance.” ARMY'S INDICATIONS
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:”Before engaging in battle I want to first know the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses, to foresee indications of victory or defeat. How can this be done?”
T'ai Kung replied:”Indications of victor or defeat will be first manifest in their spirit. The enlightened general will investigate them, for they will be evidenced in their behavior. Clearly observe the enemy’s coming and going, advancing and withdrawing. Investigate his movements and periods at rest, whether they speak about portents, what the officers and troops are talking about. If the army is exhilarated and the officers and troops fear the laws; respect the general’s commands; rejoice with each other in destroying the enemy; proud of each other’s courage and ferocity; and praise each other for their awesomeness and martial demeanor – these are indications of a strong enemy. If the army startled a number of times, the officers and troops no longer maintaining good order; they terrify each other with stories about the enemy’s strength; they speak to each other about the disadvantages; they anxiously listening and talking to each other; they talk incessantly of ill omen, spreading doubts and confusing each other; they fear neither laws nor orders and do not regard their general seriously – these are indications of weakness. When the armies are well ordered; strong fortified defence – with deep moats and high ramparts – and they enjoy the advantages of high winds and heavy rain; the army is untroubled; the signal flags and pennants point to the front; the sound of the gongs and bells crisp and clear; and the sound of the small and large drums clearly rises – these are indications of having obtained spiritual, assistance, foretelling a great victory. When their formations are not solid; their flags and pennants confused and entangled with each other; they go contrary to the advantages of the high wind and heavy rain; their officers and troops are terrified; and their morale low while they are not unified; their war horses have been frightened and run off, their military chariots have broken axles; the sound of their gongs and bells sinks down and is murky; the sound of their drums is dull and not rousing – these are indications foretelling a great defeat. In general, when you attack city walls or surround towns, if the color of the city’s aura is liked dead ashes, the city can be slaughtered. If the city’s aura drifts out to the north, the city can be conquered. If the city’s aura goes out and drifts to the west, the city can be forced to surrender. If the aura goes out and drifts to the south, it cannot be taken. If the city’s aura goes out and drifts to the east, the city cannot be attacked. If the city’s aura goes out and drifts back in, the city’s ruler has already fled. If the city’s aura goes out and overspreads our army, the soldiers will surely fall ill. If the city’s aura goes out and just rises up without any direction, the army will have to be employed for a long time. If, when you attacked a walled city or surrounded a town for more than ten days without thunder or rain, you must hastily abandon it, for the city must have a source of great assistance. Those are the means by which to know that you can attack and then go on to mount the attack, or that you should not attack and therefore stop.” “Excellent!” said King Wu. AGRICULTURE IMPLEMENTS
King Wu asked T'ai Kung:”The empire has achieved peace and is settled, and the state is not engaged in any conflict, can we dispense with maintaining the implements of war? Can we forego preparing for defense?”
T'ai Kung replied:”The implements for offense and defense are fully found in ordinary human activity. Digging sticks serve as chevaux-de-frise, obstacles to movement. Oxen and horse-pulled wagons can be used in the encampment and as covering shields. The different hoes can be used as spears and spear tipped halberds. Raincoats of straw and large umbrellas serve as armor and protective shields. Large hoes, spades, axes, saws, mortars and pestles are tools for attacking walls. Oxen and horses are the means to transport provisions. Chickens and dogs serve as lookouts. The cloth that women weave serves as flags and pennants. The method that the men use for leveling the fields is the same for attacking walls. The skill needed in spring to cut down grass and thickets is the same as needed for fighting against chariots and cavalry. The weeding method used in summer is the same as used in battle against foot soldiers. The grain harvested and the firewood cut in the fall will be provisions for the military. In the winter, well filled granaries and storehouses will ensure a solid defense. The units formed in the fields and villages will provide the tallies and good faith that bind the men together. The villages have officials and the offices have chiefs, similar to a army having a general who can lead. The villages have walls surrounding them, which are not crossed; they provide the basis for the division into platoons. The transportation of grain and cutting of hay provide for the state storehouses and armories. The skills used in repairing the inner and outer walls in the spring and fall, can be used to build ramparts and fortifications. Thus the tools and skills for employing the military are completely found in ordinary human activity. One who is good at governing a state will take them from ordinary human affairs. Then they must be made to accord with the good management of poultry, to the opening up of wild lands, and the settling of the people where they dwell. The husband has a number of acres that he farms, the wife a measured amount of material to weave – this is the way to enrich the state and strengthen the army.” “Excellent!” said King Wu. |
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