Wubei Zhi (Vol. 5)

...to achieve success. Sages embody the principles of Heaven, while worthy men emulate the laws of Earth. The wise take the ancients as their teachers. For this reason, the Three Strategies original: "三畧" (San Lue); also known as the Three Strategies of Huang Shigong, a seminal military treatise from the Han Dynasty was composed specifically for ages of decline.

The Superior Strategy establishes rituals and rewards, distinguishes between the treacherous and the heroic, and makes clear the causes of success and failure. The Middle Strategy differentiates levels of moral conduct and examines the balance of power and authority. The Inferior Strategy sets forth matters of virtue and morality, observes the signs of security and danger, and clarifies the fault of harming the worthy.

Therefore, if a ruler renzhu (人主): literally "the master of men," referring to the sovereign deeply understands the Superior Strategy, he will be able to employ the worthy and capture his enemies. If he deeply understands the Middle Strategy, he will be able to direct his generals and unify the masses. If he deeply understands the Inferior Strategy, he will be able to clarify the sources of prosperity and decline and examine the fundamental principles of governing a state.

If a minister renchen (人臣): an official serving the ruler deeply understands the Middle Strategy, he will be able to complete his achievements and preserve his own life.

It is said: When the tall birds are all killed, the good bow is stored away; when the enemy state is destroyed, the master strategist mouchen (謀臣): a counselor or strategic advisor perishes. This is why the text teaches the ruler In this context, "to perish" does not mean losing one's life; rather, it refers to having one's majesty stripped away and one's authority revoked.

The ruler grants them titles at court and the highest ministerial ranks to make their achievements visible. He grants them fine territories in the Central Plains to enrich their families. He provides them with beautiful women and rare delicacies to please their hearts. Once the masses have been unified, they must not...