Wubei Zhi (Vol. 5)

Now, the fundamental method for a commander is to capture the hearts of heroesIn this context, "heroes" (英雄) refers to talented, capable individuals and leaders of various local factions whose support is vital for a successful campaign.. One must provide rewards and stipends to those with merit and share one's goals and intentions with the multitude.

Therefore, if you share the same likes as the people, there is nothing you cannot accomplish. If you share the same dislikes as the people, there is no enemy you cannot overthrow. To govern a state and stabilize a family is to gain the people; to lose a state and destroy a family is to lose the people. All living beings, down to the smallest creature that draws breath, desire to achieve their own aims.

The Military Propheciesoriginal: "軍讖" (Jun Chen). An ancient military text, now lost to history, that was frequently cited by early strategists as a source of authoritative wisdom. say: The soft can control the hard; the weak can control the strong. Softness is the expression of virtueoriginal: "德" (De). Here, it implies a moral and flexible strength that attracts followers, rather than forcing them., while hardness is the characteristic of a thief.

The weak are those whom people wish to help; the strong are those whom people wish to attack. Softness has its specific applications; hardness has its specific implementations. Weakness has its uses, and strength has its additions. By combining these four and applying them with appropriate timing, one masters the situation. When the beginning and end of a strategy are not yet visible, no one can discern its intent.

Like the movements of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Spirits, the wise commander shifts and moves alongside things. Transformations and movements are not constant; they are adaptations based on the enemy. One does not act before events unfold; rather, one moves only after following the enemy's lead. Therefore, one can devise plans without limits, support the majesty of Heaven, bring peace and order to the eight directionsoriginal: "八極" (Ba Ji). A term referring to the furthest reaches of the world in every direction., and quickly pacify the nine tribesoriginal: "九夷" (Jiu Yi). A collective term for the various peoples surrounding the central Chinese states, symbolizing the entire known world.. One who plans in this manner serves as a teacher to emperors and kings.