Tang Taizong said: “If ‘you have insufficient advantage in that battle, do not fight the enemy.’ What does this mean?”
Li Jing answered: “Sun Tzu said: ‘If I do not want to fight with the enemy, because we do not have advantage on the ground, the enemy would also be unable to fight with me. This is because the enemy would be caught confused and overwhelmed.’ If the enemy has an excellent commander, when the two armies are at war, it is very hard to achieve victory in that war. Therefore, the saying of ‘do not fight with the enemy’ is only because we do not have the sufficient advantage over the enemy to win victory. As for fighting with the enemy, the best time is when the enemy has committed some mistakes and thus created an advantage for us to take. Sun Tzu said: ‘He who is excellent at arousing the enemy is capable of sending all sorts of deceitful illusions, in order to lure the enemy into believing false news, and take actions in accordance with the false information. He will offer some bait, and the enemy who is lured will come and take it. Use these small benefits to arouse the enemy, and use the main force to wait for the perfect opportunity to defeat the enemy’s force.’ If the enemy does not have a good commander, they will certainly attack rashly, and we should take the advantage and attack him. Therefore, the saying that ‘the war with the enemy is inevitable’ is because there is an advantage you could take that could lead to victory.”
Tang Taizong said: “This concept regarding a well-disciplined army is very profound! One will succeed by mastering this principle; going against this law will cause disastrous defeat. You should compile the deeds of the generals throughout history who excelled at constraining the army and present them to me with diagrams. I will select the quintessential ones and pass them down to the future generations.”
Li Jing answered: “The diagrams I presented previously regarding Huang Ti, Jiang Ziya’s ‘Two-Array Diagram’, ‘Method of the Sima’ and Zhuge Liang’s ‘Indirect and Direct’ methods are already very detailed. They are many famous generals in history who could achieve victories only by using one or two strategies from these military classics. However, most historians have limited knowledge in military affairs. Therefore, they are unable to record the real deeds in a war. I will definitely comply with the order and submit the record of deeds of wars in history after codification.”
太宗问：双方对阵，要想不战，怎能办得到呢?
李靖答：从前晋国与泰国作战，刚一接触双方就退兵了。《司马法》说：”追 击败退的敌人不要追得太远，跟踪撤退的敌人不要跟得太紧。”我所说的”绥”，就是驾御马的缰绳。我军的行动既有节制，敌军的队伍也很严整，这样怎敢轻于交 战呢?所以才有两军临战而退，退而不追的情况，这都是为了预防各自的失败。刊、武说：”不要攻击阵容强大的敌军，不要袭击旗帜整齐的敌人。”假若双方势均 力敌，一旦轻举妄进，为敌所乘，就会大败，这是很自然的道理。所以，用兵有不成，有必战的说法。不与敌人作战，是由于我的条件不足：必与敌人作战，是在于 敌人有隙可乘。
太宗问：不与敌人作战，是由于我的条件不足，这是指什么说的呢?
李靖答：孙武说：”我 不想和敌人作战，虽然画地而守，敌人也无法同我作战，那是因为使敌人陷于迷惑而不知所措的缘故。”如果敌方有善于指挥的人，在两军交战时，就难于取胜，所 以说不与敌战，是因为自己的条件还不具备。至于必与敌人作战，是在于敌人有隙可乘，孙武说：”善于调动敌人的，是显示各种假象，使敌人信以为真听从调动； 给敌人一些好处，敌人就会贪利来取，用小利调动敌人，用主力待机打击它。”如果敌方没有善于指挥的人，必然轻率来战，我便乘隙击破它。所以说必与敌人作 战，是在于敌人有隙可乘。
太宗说：节制之师的道理很深奥啊！掌握这个法则就会胜利，违背这个法则就会失败。你可去编纂历代善于节制军队战斗行动的战例，并绘制成图呈送上来，我要选择其中最好的传于后世。
李靖答：我以前呈送的黄帝、太公二阵图和《司马法》以及诸葛亮的奇正之法，都已经很详细了，历代名将运用其中一、二而取得的为数很多。但史官懂得用兵的很少，因此，他们不能记载战争实事迹。我一定遵照命令编纂上报。
Question 3.14
Tang Taizong asked: “Amongst all the ancient war strategies and tactics, which is the most profound?”
Li Jing replied: “I divided the strategy of wars into three levels to allow the learners of military tactics to learn in an orderly and gradual manner. The first is ‘Dao’, the second is ‘Heaven and Earth’, third is ‘Principles of Generalship’. The so called ‘Dao’ is very profound and subtle concept. It is what ‘The Book of Changes’ refers to as the greatest wisdom of all. It could convince people without using punishment; the ‘Heaven’ refers to the night or day, while the ‘Earth’ refers to danger or safe. A person who is good at controlling his army could seize the opportunity at night, and obtain the victory harder to achieve during the day. He can utilize an unfavorable terrain to attack his enemy who is at a favorable position. This is the theory of ‘weather and geography’ mentioned by Mencius. As for the ‘Principles of Generalship’, this is referring to the capability of appointing talented personnel and using the right weapons, which is as mentioned in ‘Three Strategies’, the phrase: ‘you are able to obtain victory once you have the best generals’ and what Guan Zhong meant by ‘the equipment must be sturdy and sharp’ in his theory.
Tang Taizong said: “Yes. I think that having the enemy give in without starting a war is the best strategy. Being victorious in every battle is next, and defending with high walls and trenches is lowest in grade. According to such a comparison, Sun Tzu includes all three grades of these solutions in his military books.”
Li Jing said: “After reading the articles of the ancients, and deducing the deeds of the ancients, we can see the difference. For example, after the success of Zhang Liang, Fan Li and Sun Tzu, they were able to retire without any worries. They disappeared from the scene. If the generals don’t understand the real meaning of ‘Dao’, how could they be able to remain uninvolved? As for Yue Yi, Guang Zhong and Zhuge Liang who were able to obtain victories in every battle, and defend toughly every time, if they don’t clearly grasp the changes of environment and terrain, they could not achieve such victories! Secondarily, Wang Meng who stabilized the Qing Dynasty, Xie An who defended Eastern Jin Dynasty - if they didn’t understand the art of appointing and selecting great and talented generals, and the art of repairing and preparing the right armaments in order to have the best protection, how would they be so successful? Therefore, learning the art of warfare must start from the lowest to the medium and then proceed to the highest. They can only learn, beginning with the easiest then proceeding to the toughest. Otherwise, everything is nothing but plain, useless talk. Reciting every word from the principles would prove to be useless; it would not help them to achieve anything.”
Tang Taizong said: “According to the sayings of the Daoists, three generations of generals is a taboo and should be prevented. This also means that military tactics shouldn’t be passed on presumptuously, but must be passed on cautiously.”
Li Jing bowed again before exiting, he handed all his military strategies and tactics books to Ze Li.
太宗问：古人的兵法，哪家是最深奥的?
李靖答：我曾把兵法分为三等，使学习的人循序渐进，逐步达到精通。一是”道”， 二是”天地”，三是”将法”。所谓”道”是极为精深微妙的，就是《易经•系辞》所说的最有智慧的人，是不用刑杀而能服人的；所谓”天”是指夜间和白画而 言；所谓”地”是指险易而言。善于用兵的人，能够利用夜间以夺取白天难以取得的胜利，能够利用不利地形去进攻处于有利地形的敌人。孟子所说天时、地利就是 这个道理。所谓”将�
�”，是指善于任用贤能和使用优良的兵器，就是《三略》所说的”得到贤能之士就能胜利”，和管仲所说的 “器械必须坚固锋利”的道理。
太宗说：是这样。我认为不战而使敌人屈服的是上等，百战百胜的是中等，深沟高垒坚阵防守的是下等。按这样比较，孙武兵法三说法都有了。
李靖说：看了古人的文章，推究古人的事迹，也就可以看出差别了。如张良、范蠡、孙武三人成功以后，就毫无牵挂地超然引退，不知去向，若不是懂得”道” 的微妙，怎能那样呢！如乐毅，管仲、诸葛亮能够战必胜，守必固，若不是明察天时地利，怎能那样呢！其次如王猛的安定前秦，谢安的捍卫东晋，若不是善于任用 良将选择才，修备甲兵以求自固，怎能那样呢！所以学习兵法，必须先由下到中等，由中等到上等，就能逐渐由浅入深了。不然的话，就不过是只尚空谈，只知道背 诵兵法的条文，那是不足取法的。
太宗说：道家的说法，忌讳三代为将，是说兵法不可妄传，但不可不传，你应慎重传授。
李靖再拜后退出，将他的全部兵书传授与李责力。
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Sawyer, Ralph D.; Mei Mei-chün Sawyer (1993). “The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China”. Westview Press.
Watson, Burton. (1958). "Beginning of Chinese Historiography". Ssu Ma Ch'ien Grand Historian of China. Columbia University Press.
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Copyright Information
Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China: The Art of War, Methods of War, 36 Stratagems & Selected Teachings
Texts by Sun Tzu, Wu Qi, Wei Liao, Sima Rangju, Jiang Ziya
Edited by Shawn Conners
Translated by Chen Song
Copyright © 2013 by Special Edition Books
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except that brief passages may be quoted by reviewers provided full credit is given.
First Edition – March 2013
Published by Special Edition Books
eISBN 9781937021085
________________________
[1] The first recorded document is believed to be dated c. 6000 BCE.
[2] Wuxia is a broad genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists and military heroes in literature, opera, films, television series, and video games.
[3] Emperor Yao (堯) (c. 2356 BCE – 2255 BCE) was a legendary Chinese ruler, one of the Three Sovereigns and the Five Emperors.
[4] King Zhou (紂王)was the pejorative posthumous name given to Di Xin (帝辛) or Emperor Xin, the last king of the Shang Dynasty. He may also be referred to by adding "Shang" (商 Shāng) in front of any of his names. Note that Zhou (紂) is a completely different character from the "Zhou" (周) used by the succeeding Zhou Dynasty. In Chinese, 紂 also refers to the part of a saddle or harness most likely to be soiled by the horse.
[5] The mention of Sun Tzu in this text supports the widely accepted theory that the text of the Six Secret Teachings was modified later in the Warring States Period, while still retaining the basic military thought of the earlier Qi dynasty.
[6] Li are Chinese miles, although the actual distance for one li is about 500 meters.
[7] A picul was an ancient unit of measurement literally translated as “a shoulder load”. It was equal to approximately 123lbs or 60kg.
[8] In ancient military texts of China, “Direct” and “Indirect” actions are often discussed. These strategies are also occasionally referred to as “Orthodox” and “Unorthodox.
[9] Zhuan Zhu refers to Duke Zhuang of Lu. Cao Gui was a military scholar who stood against Bao Shuya, during a battle in the Spring and Autumn period (c. 630 BCE).
[10] “Zi” (子; “Tzu”) was used as a suffix for the family name of a respectable man in ancient Chinese culture. It is a rough equivalent to “Sir” and is commonly translated into English as “Master”.
[11] The title, “Lord” is used, although the exact title is “Marquess”. Lord Wen of Wei was succeeded at the time of his death by his son, the Lord Wu of Wei.
[12] When capitalized or italicized, “The Way” refers to Tao, or Dao. Tao signifies the primordial essence or fundamental nature of the universe.
[13] The Shang Dynasty (商朝) ruled in the Yellow River valley sometime between 1600 BC and 1046 BC, succeeding the Xia Dynasty and followed by the Zhou Dynasty.
[14] Hegemony is an indirect form of imperial dominance in which the hegemon (leader state) rules subordinate states by the implied means of power rather than by direct military force.
[15] Wu Qi was later exiled from Wei, but was welcomed by King Dao of Chu (楚悼王), and appointed as Prime Minister. He implemented reforms aimed at changing the corrupt government dominated by the old nobility. Old nobles plotted to assassinate Wu Qi at King Dao's funeral. Wu Qi spotted the assassins and rushed to the side of King Dao's body. He was killed, but many arrows also struck the dead King. The new King Su (楚肃王), furious at his father's body being mutilated, ordered all nobles involved to be executed, along with their families.
[16] Throughout history, the frontiers of China were periodically attacked by nomadic tribes from the north and west, referred to as “barbarians”.
[17] The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors (三皇五帝) were a group of semi-mythological rulers and culture heroes during the period circa 3000 BC to 2100 BC. In myth, the three sovereigns were demigods who used their abilities to help create mankind and impart essential skills and knowledge. The five emperors were exemplary sages possessed of great moral character.
[18] This area is also known as Silla (新罗), one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, and one of the longest sustained dynasties in Asian history.
[19] Cao Cao was a famous warlord of the Three Kingdoms period (c. 200 BCE). Cao Cao should not be confused with Cao Gui, a wondering military scholar who stood against Bao Shuya, the leader of the troops of Duke Huan of Qi in a battle, during the Spring and Autumn period (c. 630 BCE).
[20] Xie Xuan (謝玄) was a Jin Dynasty general who is best known for repelling the Former Qin army at the Battle of Fei River, preventing the Former Qin emperor Fu Jiān from destroying Jin and uniting China.
[21] Fú Jiàn (Chinese: 苻健) was the founding emperor of the Chinese state Former Qin.
[22] Zhuge Liang (諸葛亮) was a chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history, famous for his military strategy.
[23] Guǎn Zhòng (管仲) (c. 720-645 BCE) was a chancellor and reformer of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.
[24] King Zhuāng of Chǔ (楚莊王) was a monarch of the Zhou Dynasty State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period.
[25] The "Di" refers to various ethnic groups who lived in northern China during the Zhou Dynasty.
[26] Gaochang was built in the 1st century BCE, and was an important site along the Silk Road.
[27] Chunqiu Zuo Zhuan, or the Chronicle of Zuo, is among the earliest Chinese works of narrative history, covering the period from 722 to 468 BCE.
[28] Zhou Yu, also known as Cao Gong, was a military general and strategist during the late Han Dynasty perio
d of Chinese history. Zhou Yu was assigned by Sun Quan, to be the naval commander for the defensive forces, defeating Cao Cao's forces at the Battle of Red Cliffs in 208 CE.
[29] One Shi Chen is equivalent to two hours.
[30] Fan Li (范蠡) was an ancient Chinese advisor in the state of Yue in the Spring and Autumn Period. He is best known for his Twelve Golden Rules and Twelve Safeguards.
[31] Emperor Guangwu is also known as Guang Wu and Han Guang Wu. He ruled only parts of China at first, and through suppression and conquest of regional warlords, the whole of China was consolidated by the time of his death in 57 CE.
[32] The title Shu Shang is translated in western texts variously as "Classic of History", "Classic of Documents", "Book of History", "Book of Documents" or "Book of Historical Documents", and it was formerly romanized as Shu-king.
[33] A Yue is an ancient weapon in the shape of a broad ax symbolizing authority.
[34] Jiazi would be: Heavenly stem one and earthly branch one in the sixty-year cycle of traditional Chinese chronology.
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