武侯问道：“两国对崎，不知敌将的才能，我想调查清楚，用什么办法呢？”吴起答道：“让地位低而勇敢的战士，率领轻装精锐的小部队去试探攻击敌人，务必要败退，不要求胜，然后观察敌人出战的行动。如果敌人的进退行止有条不紊，追击假装追不上，见到战利品假装没看见，这样的将领是有智谋的，，不要和他交战。如果敌人喧哗吵嚷，旌旗混乱，士卒行动不统一，兵器横七竖八，追我军唯恐不及，，见利唯恐不得，这样的将领是愚昧的，敌军众多，仍然可俘虏敌将。”
Chaos and Communication
Lord Wu asked: “Even though our chariots are sturdy, our horses well-bred, our generals courageous and our troops strong; and then they are suddenly confronted by the enemy, our army is thrown into chaos, what can be done?”
Wu Qi replied: “The general who commands the army must maintain discipline during daylight by the use of flags, banners and pennants to relay orders; and at night by the use the gongs, drums, horns and whistles. When the flags signal left, the troops should move left. When the flags signal right, they should move right. When the drum is beaten, they should advance and when the gongs are sounded, they should retreat. At the first sound of the horn, they should advance. At the second sound of the horn, they should reassemble. If anyone disobeys an order, he should be executed at once. Then, the officers and soldiers will not dare to disobey and order. Only in this way, will the army learn discipline and submit to authority. In combat, no enemy will be stronger nor will any defense remain impregnable.”
武侯问：“战车坚牢，马匹精良，将领勇猛，士卒强悍，突然遭遇敌军，军队顿时混乱，应该怎么办？”
吴起回答：“一般指挥军队作战的方法是，白天用旌旗幡帜，夜里用金鼓笳笛。旗帜指挥向左则左，指挥向右则右，擂鼓即前进，鸣金就停止。第一次吹响笳笛就前进，第二次就集合。如有不服从命令的，就依法斩首。这样，三军就会听从指挥，畏服威严，士卒不敢违法，打起来就没有不能战胜的强敌，也没有不能攻破的坚阵。”
Chapter 2 - Responding to Changes in War
When Outnumbered by the Enemy
Lord Wu asked: “What should we do if our troops are outnumbered?”
Wu Qi replied: “You should avoid engaging them on open flat terrain. Instead you should attack them in narrow quarters. Thus it is said, for one to attack ten, a narrow path is advantageous. For ten to attack one hundred, a deep ravine is superb. For hundreds to attack thousands, a dangerous pass is excellent. With only a small number of troops, you should endeavor to ambush your enemy on a narrow road while sounding the war drums and gongs. Even with superior numbers, they will be startled. Thus it is said, large numbers of troops are best employed in open flat terrain; smaller numbers of troops, are best employed on difficult confined terrain.”
武侯又问：“如果敌众我寡，怎么办呢？”
吴起答道：“避免与它在平坦的地形上作战，要尽量在险要的地方拦击他们。所以，以一击十，没有比利用狭隘地形更好的；以十击百，没有比利用险要地形更好的；以千击万，没有比利用阻绝地形更好的。如果用少量的兵力，突然出击，在狭隘的道路上击鼓鸣金，敌人即便有众多的兵力，莫有不惊慌混乱的。因此，要指挥众多兵力作战，务必选择平坦的地形；要运用少数兵力打战，务必选择险要的地形。”
How to Win against a Strong Enemy
Lord Wu asked: “If the enemy forces are numerous, well trained and courageous; if there are dangerous high grounds behind them, if there are mountains on the right and a river on the left; if the enemy is well fortified and has many crossbows in defensive positions; if they are as steady a mountain when they withdraw; if they are like torrential rain when they attack; if their rations and supplies are plentiful, this makes them formidable. What can be done?”
Wu Qi replied: “This is a serious problem. An enemy such as this cannot be overcome by force alone, but by only by wise plans. By assembling one thousand chariots, ten thousand cavalry, and an appropriate number of foot soldiers and then dividing them into five groups, with each group traversing a different route, the enemy will certainly be confused and mystified by our actions. If the enemy has strengthened his defenses to stabilize the morale of his troops, we should send an emissary to inveigh him to surrender. If he listens to our appeals, he will abandon his position and leave. If he does not listen, he will kill our emissary and burn our treaties.
“In this event, we should use our five divisions to engage the enemy on five fronts all at once. Should they attempt to flee, we should not give chase. If we cannot defeat them by sheer force, we should feign a retreat to entice their troops to give chase. If they should take the bait, we should counterattack with one division engages their front, with another division moving to cut off their rear while our other two divisions flank them. If our five divisions strike simultaneously, we will certainly gain the advantage. In this way, we can attack the strong.”
武侯又问道：“假使敌军人马众多、训练有素而且十分勇敢，背后依附着险要的高地，右面有山，左面临水，深沟高垒，又以劲弩固守阵地，后退时像山一样，前进时像风雨一样急速，粮食充足难以和它长期对抗，该怎么办呢？”
吴起答道：“这是一个重大问题啊！不是仅靠车骑的武力就能解决，而是需要高明的智慧来谋取。如果能装备战车千辆、骑兵万人，加上一定数量的步兵，分为五支军队。而五支军队各成一路，形成五路踪队，向五个方向前进，敌人必然因此产生疑惑，不知我方意图。敌人如果坚守阵地以稳定军心，便立刻派出军使去观察其动向。如果敌人听我劝说，便会撤兵离去；如果敌人不听劝说，反而杀我军使，烧我军书，我军则兵分五路进攻，打胜了不要穷追，不胜则急速撤退。如果要假装败退诱敌，则以一军稳妥行动，与之激战，一军从正面牵制敌人，一军断其后路，另外两队先衔枚而进，悄悄地左右两侧，袭击敌人据守的地方。这样五军合击，必然形成有利的形势，这就是攻击强敌的办法。”
When Surrounded by the Enemy
Lord Wu asked: “If the enemy is approaching, we have no way to retreat and our soldiers are frightened. What should be done?”
Wu Qi replied: “The way to deal with this situation, if we have the strength of numbers, is to divide ourselves and surround them. If we are outnumbered, we should concentrate our troops and continue attacking the enemy relentlessly. Then, even if his army is numerous, he can be defeated.”
武侯问道：“但敌人逐渐逼近我军，我军想摆脱他们可是没去路，士卒都很恐慌，这怎么办呢？”
吴起答道：“应付这种情况，如果我众敌寡，可以分兵包围敌军；如果敌众我寡，可以集中兵力袭击它，不断地袭击它，如此一来，敌人虽多也可以制服。”
When Caught in Unfavorable Terrain
Lord Wu asked: “If I should encounter the enemy in a place such as a deep valley with dangerous terrain all around and I am outnumbered, what should be done?”
Wu Qi replied: “Dangerous terrain like hilly regions, forests, valleys, deep mountains and vast wetlands, should be crossed quickly, you depart from them promptly. Do not tarry. If you should encounter the enemy in high mountains or deep valleys, you should first beat the drums and attack the enemy with your archers and crossbowmen, taking prisoners if possible, while observe the enemy’s formation. If the enemy’s army is seen to be in chaos, do not hesitate to attack with your main body of troops.”
武侯问道：“如果在溪谷之间与敌军相遇，旁边都是险阻的地形，敌众我寡，这怎么办？”
吴起答道：“遇到丘陵、森林、谷地、深山、大泽，要迅速通过，不得迟缓。如果在高山深谷地带与敌突然相遇，一定要先击鼓呐喊并乘势攻击敌人
，再使用弓箭向前挺进，一面射杀，一面掳掠，同时仔细观察敌人的阵势，一旦发现敌军混乱，就毫不迟疑地发动攻击。”
When Caught in a Valley
Lord Wu asked: “If when we are in a narrow confined valley with high mountains on both the left and right, the enemy unexpected attacks us and we cannot advance or retreat, what should be done?”
Wu Qi replied: “This is called ‘valley’ warfare. It is difficult because even if your troops are numerous, they cannot be effective. You should summon your most talented officers and direct them to confront the enemy with the most nimble footed soldiers who are equipped with sharp weapons. Your chariots and cavalry should be concealed, several miles away if possible. Then, if they cannot see our chariots and cavalry, the enemy will not dare to attack for fear of ambush. They will then adopt a solid defense. You should immediately display your flags and array your banners, to allow time to withdraw outside the valley and encamp. Trapped inside the valley, the enemy will be frightened and we may use our chariots and cavalry to harass them continuously, permitting them no rest. This is the way to conduct valley warfare.”
武侯问道：“如果左右都是高山，地形很狭窄，突然遇袭，既不敢前进，又不敢后退，该怎么办？”
吴起回答道：“这叫谷地战。兵力虽多也用不上，应该挑选精锐的士卒与敌对抗，用轻捷善走的步兵手持锐器作为先锋，把战车和骑兵分别埋伏在四周，与前锋相距约几里路，让敌人没见到战车和骑兵，而知道有伏兵，必然坚守阵地，不敢轻易进退。此时，我军张旗列旆，指挥部队走出山外扎营。这样敌人必生畏惧，我军则在用车骑袭击，使其不能休息。这就是谷地战的原则。”
Fighting in Wet Terrain
Lord Wu asked: “If we should encounter the enemy in wet terrain such as a watery marsh where chariot wheels sink down to the axles, where our chariots and cavalry are floundering and we are not equipped with boats and marine equipment, what should be done?”
Wu Qi said: “This is called the 'water' warfare. It is best to not employ the chariots and cavalry; have them remain at the side. You should seek a high vantage point to survey the situation. If you can discern the extent of the wet conditions; fathom its expanse, depth and movement, you may then conceive a plan for victory. For example, if the enemy begins to cross the water, you can advantageously attack when half of his troops have crossed.”
武侯问道：“假如我军在大水沼泽地带遇敌，战车都淹没，车骑也有被大水吞没的危险，同时又没有舟楫的设备。，进退两难，怎么办？”
吴起答道：“这叫水战。水战用不上战车和骑兵，只好把战车和骑兵暂留一旁，一定要登上高处四面瞭望，观察水势，知道水势的大小、深浅、宽窄，然后才能想办法出奇制胜。敌人如果渡水而来，乘其军渡到一半时，迫近迎击。”
Wet and Dry Weather
Lord Wu asked: “When it has been raining continuously with the horses and the chariots stuck in the mud, we have been surrounded by the enemy and our troops are terrified, what should be done?”
Wu Qi said: “In general, it is best to suspend operations when the ground is wet and you cannot employ your chariots. Wait for the weather to clear and for the ground to dry. Avoid the enemy, calm and rest your troops. Seek higher ground since chariots are of more value on high ground which will dry more quickly than low ground. Only deploy chariots, whether advancing or halting, on dry ground. If the enemy withdraws, pursue them by following their tracks.”
武侯问道：“如果遇到阴雨连绵，车马举足艰难，而且四面受到敌人包围，全军恐慌，这怎么办？”
吴起答道：“凡用兵车作战，一般在阴雨天气和泥泞的地面上就要停止行动，等到天晴而地面干燥时才行动。兵车利于高地行动，不利于低洼之地。作战的时候，迅速奔驰要用坚固的兵车，不论前进或停止，都要依从上述原则。如果敌人应战，要沿着它的车迹追逐。”
Fighting Plunderers
Lord Wu asked: “If a raiding band of soldiers should suddenly appear, plundering our lands and fields, seizing our cattle and horses, what should be done?”
Wu Qi said: “When a raiding force suddenly appears, you should not immediately attack them; you must first determine their number and strength. Take a defensive position and reconnoiter the enemy forces. After their raids, as they struggle with their loot, their armor will begin to feel heavy and they become afraid. They will try to withdraw quickly to avoid retaliation. This will result in stragglers, dividing their forces. You can then pursue and capture them piecemeal.”
武侯问道:“如果残暴的敌寇突然来袭，掠夺庄稼，抢走牛羊，这怎么办？”吴起答道：“敌寇突然来袭，一定要考虑它实力的强弱，应先避其锐气，先作防守，不要急于应战。待它傍晚撤退时，其装备必然变得沉重不便，心里必有所恐，为求急于退还，必有不相接连的地方。这时我军如果乘机追击，就可以歼灭它。”
After Conquering Cities
Wu Qi said: “In general, there are a set of principle to follow after conquering an enemy's city. Immediately upon conquering the city, you should take charge of their public buildings, take control of the city’s supplies and make use of the former bureaucrats for administration. You should prevent your soldiers from looting. Issue orders that troops are not to cut down trees, destroy houses, and take the grain, slaughter animals, or burn people's supplies. This will demonstrate to the populace that you do not have bad intentions. You should accept those who surrender and peacefully settle them.”
吴起说：“一般围攻敌人的城池有一套基本原则，就是城池已被我军攻破后，应当分别进驻它的官府，控制和使用其原来的官吏，接管它的器材物资。军队所到之处，不可砍伐树木，不可毁坏建筑物，也不可掠夺老百姓的粮食、宰杀其牲畜、烧毁或积聚财物。应向百姓表明我军无残害无辜之意。如果请求投降归顺的，应允许并加以优抚。”
Chapter 3 - Motivating the Talented
After Conquering Cities
Lord Wu asked: “Is it adequate for victory to make punishments severe and rewards clear?”
Wu Qi replied: “As to these matters of severity and clarity, no can have all the answers, but it is certain that these alone cannot be totally relied upon. When you issue orders and the people willingly follow them; when you raise the army and mobilize the masses; when the people take pleasure in going to battle; when engaging the enemy, the people take honor in fighting to the death; these are what a ruler of men can rely upon.”
Lord Wu inquired further: “How does one attain such conditions?”
Wu Qi replied: “It is necessary to recognize men of accomplishment. You should identify such men and honor them with a grand feast. You should also invite men who have not accomplished anything in order to stimulate them.”
Thereupon Lord Wu had the ancestral temple prepared for a grand feast with sitting mats set out in main hall, arranged in three tiers for the officers and chief officials. Those who were distinguished by great achievement were seated in the first tier and feasted on the finest food and with the finest cutlery. Those who ranked next in accomplishment were seated in the middle tier, and feasted on fine food with less lavish vessels. Those who had not accomplished anything noteworthy were seated in the last tier, and feasted on fine food with ordinary utensils. When the feast was over and they came out of the temple, Lord Wu made it a point to honor the parents and families of the meritorious outside the temple gate, again according to their accomplishments. Annually he sent emissaries to call on the families of those who had died in service of the country, and bestowed aid on their parents. In so doing, he showed that they would not be forgotten. After performing such actions for three years, Qin happened to mobilize its army against Wei. When Wei's officers heard about it, without waiting for any official orders
, they put on their armor, assembled and engaged the enemy.
Subsequently, Lord Wu summoned Wu Qi and said: “We have seen the results of what you previously told me about honoring accomplishment.”
Wu Qi replied: “I have heard that ‘to each his own strength and weakness.’ Morale has its highs and lows. I humbly request that my Lord allocate fifty thousand previously undistinguished men to me and allow me lead them against the enemy. If we lose, we might be considered to a joke by his Lordship. Allow me to explain by drawing an analogy: if there were a villain who had been sentenced to death, but had escaped and was in hiding and one thousand men had been sent to look for him, they would most likely just look around aimlessly for him and make no serious attempt to find him. They would do this because each would be afraid that the villain would do him personal harm. Thus a man who has total disregard death can frighten a thousand. Now if I may assemble a body of fifty thousand such men, gather them into a single murderous unit, and personally lead them against the Qin, we surely will make it difficult for them.”
Lord Wu agreed to Wu Qi’s request, granting him five hundred strong chariots and three thousand cavalry. Wu Qi’s band destroyed the Qin's army of one half a million troops by following the policy of encouraging the officers and men.
On the eve of the battle Wu Qi addressed the troops: “Everyone, including aides and officers, must personally confront and capture the enemy chariots, cavalry and infantry. If our chariots do not make prisoners of the enemy's chariots, if our cavalry does not make prisoners of the enemy's cavalry, if our infantry does not make prisoners of the enemy's infantry, then even if we command an overwhelming victory, no one will be credited with any achievement.” On the day of the battle, Wu Qi’s military greatness shook the world.[15]
Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China Page 28