Wubei Zhi (Vol. 5)

[He] said: There are none who do not crave strength, yet few are able to maintain subtletyoriginal: "微" (wei). In this context, it refers to a state of humble, hidden, or minute beginnings—staying "small" to avoid becoming a target or losing one's essence.. If one can maintain subtlety, they can preserve their life. The Sage preserves this state to respond to the changing moments of affairs.

When expanded, it fills the four seas; when rolled up, it does not even fill a cup. It dwells without need of a house and is guarded without need of city walls. Contained within one's own breast, it causes enemy states to submit.

The military records say: If one can be both weak and hard, the state becomes increasingly radiant. If they can be both weak and strong, the state becomes increasingly manifest. However, if a state is purely soft and purely weak, it will surely be diminished; if it is purely hard and purely strong, it will surely perish.

The Way of Governingoriginal: "爲國之道" (Wei guo zhi dao). The fundamental principles and path for managing a nation's affairs. a state relies upon the worthy and the people. Trust the worthy as one trusts their own heart and vitals, and employ the people as one uses their own four limbs; then, no strategy will fail.

Wherever one goes, it is like the limbs following the body and the joints supporting one another. This is the natural Way of Heavenoriginal: "天道" (Tian dao). The inherent, spontaneous order of the universe that functions without artificial effort.; its design is so perfect that there are no gaps.

The essentials of the military and the state lie in observing the hearts of the multitude and administering the many affairs of government:

• Provide security for those in danger;
• Bring joy to those who are afraid;
• Encourage those who have rebelled to return;
• Pardon those who have been wronged;
• Investigate the claims of those who appeal;
• Ennoble those of humble status;
• Restrain those who are overly powerful.

Enemy...