The Methods of the Sima, Volume 7

Although titled as the Sima Fa (Methods of the Sima) in the header, the text follows the Three Strategies of Huang Shigong.

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...for.

Nurturing the people so that the few can defeat the many is a matter of benevolence. That the weak can defeat the strong is due to the support of the people. Therefore, a good general liangjiang (良將): a commander who is not only tactically proficient but also possesses high moral character and empathy nurtures his soldiers with a care no different from how he cares for his own body. Because of this, he can make the three armies act as if they have one mind; then his victory can be complete. A good general’s generosity in nurturing his soldiers is such that he does not change his habits when caring for his own body.

The Military Prophecies state: The essential element of employing troops is that one must first observe the enemy’s situation. Look at their storehouses. Estimate their provisions. Divine their strengths and weaknesses. Observe the signs of heaven and earth. Watch for their gaps and vulnerabilities.

Therefore, if a country faces no military hardships yet the transport of grain leaves the state empty xu (虚): a state of depletion where resources, manpower, and morale are exhausted, it is in danger. If the people have the complexion of hunger original: "菜色" (caise); literally "vegetable color," referring to the sallow, pale look of the starving who have only wild plants to eat, they are impoverished. When grain must be transported a thousand li A traditional unit of distance, roughly 500 meters, the soldiers will look hungry. If they must gather firewood and fodder before they can cook, the army will never have a full stomach overnight.

Now, if grain is transported a thousand li, the state will lack a year's worth of food. If transported two thousand li, it will lack two years' food. If three thousand li, it will lack three years' food. This is what is called a "vacant state." When the state is vacant, the people are poor. When the people are poor, the rulers and the subjects are not close. If the enemy attacks from without and the people plunder from within, this is called "inevitable collapse."

The Military Prophecies state: