Strategic Studies: Warring States

Page 9

Strategic Studies: Warring States, Page 9

Translator's note: The original manuscript features reading marks—circles and ticks—to guide the reader through the Classical Chinese syntax, indicating this was a studied text.

...will win."

Zhao She was greatly pleased. Having sent the [Qin] spies away, he ordered his troops to roll up their armor and advance with great speed. In one day and one night, they covered the distance, encamping fifty li li: a traditional Chinese unit of distance, roughly 500 meters from Eyu. Once the defensive ramparts were completed, the Qin army heard of their arrival and marched forth in full battle gear. A soldier in the Zhao army named Xu Li requested an audience to offer counsel; Zhao She brought him forward.

Xu Li said: "The Qin did not expect the Zhao forces to reach this point. They come with their spirits high and momentum strong. General, you must concentrate your formations densely to receive them; otherwise, you will surely be defeated."

Zhao She replied: "I accept your instruction."

Xu Li then requested to be punished original: 刑 (punishment/execution). In ancient military etiquette, a subordinate might ask for death to show the absolute sincerity and risk of his unsolicited advice, but Zhao She would not permit it. Xu Li spoke again, saying: "He who first occupies the North Mountain shall be the victor."

Zhao She immediately dispatched ten thousand men to rush toward the heights. The Qin army arrived later and fought to take the mountain, but they could not ascend. Zhao She then unleashed his main force to strike them. The Qin army suffered a crushing defeat; they lifted the siege of Eyu and retreated. Zhao She and his forces returned home.

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The Policy of "Distant Diplomacy and Close Attack"

Fan Ju A brilliant strategist from Wei who fled to Qin after being falsely accused of treason advised the King of Qin, saying: "For the Marquis of Rang Wei Ran, the powerful Chancellor of Qin and uncle to the King to bypass the states of Han and Wei to attack the cities of Gang and Shou in the state of Qi is not a sound strategy. King Min of Qi once attacked the state of Chu, and though he expanded his territory by a thousand li on two occasions, in the end he gained not an inch or a foot of land. Is this not...