Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 9

Treatise on Armament Technology

Volume 20

In reality, it is simply a matter of timing.

The mobilization was also massive.

"Moreover, Wei possesses the ambition to destroy other kingdoms. Seeing its destruction is imminent, Han will surely turn eastward to plead for help from Qi. We should use this opportunity to forge a deep bond of friendship with Han, yet delay our intervention until Wei is exhausted. In this way, we can secure substantial advantages and earn a noble reputation."

The King said, "Excellent." He then secretly gave his word to the Han envoy and sent him on his way.

Relying on the promise of Qi’s support, Han fought five battles against Wei but was never victorious. Consequently, they turned eastward and entrusted the fate of their nation entirely to Qi. Qi then mobilized its troops, appointing Tian Ji A high-ranking general of the State of Qi and a close ally of Sun Bin. as Commander and Sunzi Referring here to Sun Bin, the brilliant strategist and descendant of the original Sunzi (Sun Wu). He served as the Chief Strategist or "Teacher" for the Qi army. as Chief Strategist. To rescue Han, they marched directly toward the capital of Wei.

When Pang Juan heard of this, he abandoned his campaign in Han and returned home to defend Wei. The people of Wei also mobilized a massive army, appointing Crown Prince Shen as General to resist the Qi forces.

Sunzi remarked: "The soldiers of the Three Jin A collective term for the states of Wei, Zhao, and Han, which all originated from the partition of the ancient State of Jin. Their troops were famously fierce and battle-hardened. are naturally fierce and brave, and they hold the men of Qi in contempt. Qi has a reputation for cowardice. One skilled in warfare takes advantage of the enemy's momentum and guides it to their own benefit."

The Art of War Sun Bin is here quoting the classic military treatise written by his ancestor, Sun Wu. states: "One who marches a hundred li A traditional unit of distance; a hundred li is approximately 50 kilometers or 31 miles. in a hurried pursuit of advantage will see his top general fall. One who marches fifty li in pursuit of advantage will find only half his army arrives."

He then ordered the Qi army, upon entering Wei territory, to construct one hundred thousand cooking fires original: 竈 (zào). These were earth-dug stoves used by soldiers to prepare meals. Counting the number of stoves was a common way for scouts to estimate the size of an opposing army.. The next day, he ordered...