Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 20

A Study of Military Strategy

The Warring States Period

If one does not retreat original: 不退 (bù tuì). Referring to the wisdom of a minister retiring at the height of his power to avoid political jealousy., then those who come after will not be able to rely on human counsel. Thus it is said: both advancing and retreating are for the sake of planning for the state.

...[the walls are] of great strength. Xiangzi said, "The arrows are sufficient, but we have little copper; what shall we do?" Tan Zhang Mengtan, the strategist who negotiated the alliance with Han and Wei. replied, "When Master Dong Dong Anyu, a former official known for his foresight in fortifying Jinyang. governed Jinyang, the public government offices were all built with pillars of refined copper. If you utilize them, you will have copper to spare." Xiangzi said, "Excellent." Once the orders were issued and the city defenses were fully prepared, the three armies The combined forces of the Earl of Zhi, Han, and Wei before the latter two defected. attacked for three months but could not capture the city.

After Zhang Mengtan had destroyed the Earl of Zhi and secured the power of the Zhao lineage, he resigned from his duties and departed; despite his great honor and influence, he went to farm at the Hill of Fuqin. After he had farmed there for three years, the states of Han, Wei, Qi, and Chu broke their treaties and plotted to attack Zhao.

Xiangzi was afraid and went to see Tan to seek a plan. Tan said, "If you, my Lord, will carry your sword and drive the carriage for me A symbolic gesture of extreme humility where the ruler acts as the servant to his advisor. to return to the capital, and restore me to my former office and the rank of Grandee term: 大夫 (dàfū) — a high-ranking social and political position in ancient Chinese feudal hierarchy., I shall attempt a strategy." The Lord said, "I agree."

Tan then sent his wife to the state of Chu, his eldest son to Han, his second son to Wei, and his youngest son to Qi. The four kingdoms grew suspicious of one another's intentions and their plot collapsed; thus, Zhao had no more cause for fear.