Treatise on Armament Technology

Volume 20

Military Strategy Research: The Warring States

One cannot call this true martial skill; it is merely a method for deceiving fools.

Yang Refers to Shang Yang, the famous legalist reformer and general of the State of Qin. sent a letter to Prince Ang Prince Ang was the commander of the State of Wei's army. which said: "Originally, I was on good terms with you, my Prince. Now we are both generals for two different states. I cannot bear to see us attack one another. I wish to meet with you in person to swear a covenant, share a joyful drink, and then withdraw our troops, so that the people of Qin and Wei may live in peace." Ang believed this to be true and went to meet for the covenant. While they were drinking, Yang had armored soldiers in ambush attack Ang and captured him. Following this, he utterly crushed the army of Wei. King Hui of Wei was terrified and ceded the Hexi lands The strategic territory west of the Yellow River. to Qin in order to make peace.

Guan Ta fled from West Zhou to East Zhou During the late Zhou dynasty, the royal domain was split into two tiny rival principalities: West Zhou and East Zhou.. He revealed all the secret intelligence of West Zhou to East Zhou, and East Zhou was greatly pleased. West Zhou was furious. Feng Ju said: "I am able to kill him." The Lord gave him thirty catties of gold. Feng Ju sent a messenger carrying the gold and a letter to be secretly delivered to Guan Ta, which said: "Tell Guan Ta: if the task can be accomplished, strive to complete it. If it cannot be accomplished, flee immediately. Come quickly, for if the matter drags on and is leaked, you will bring about your own death." He then sent another man to inform the Marquis of East Zhou, saying: "This evening, a traitorous person shall enter." The Marquis captured the man and the letter...

original vocabulary: Shang Yang, Prince Ang, King Hui of Wei, Guan Ta, Feng Ju, West Zhou, East Zhou, Strategies of the Warring States, Records of the Grand Historian