Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 67

Formations, Part 16

Diagram of the Square Formation for Defensive and Offensive Combat Against Invaders Explanation original: 御虜戰守四方陣 (Yulu Zhanshou Sifang Zhen). A classic, balanced square layout designed to provide stability during both the holding of a position and the transition to an attack against mobile raiding forces.

Diagram of the Five-Pronged Spear and Cannon Assault and Four-Fold Surprising Five-Way Advancing Formation for Resisting Invaders Explanation original: 禦虜五衝鎗炮四奇五路行兵 (Yulu Wuchong Qiangpao Siqi Wulu Xingbing). This highly complex formation integrates firearms (cannons) and polearms (spears). It utilizes five specialized assault paths and four "unorthodox" or "surprising" (qi) tactical units to disrupt the enemy's momentum.

Diagram of the Eight Trigrams Formation Explanation original: 八卦陣 (Bagua Zhen). Perhaps the most famous formation in Chinese military history, derived from the I Ching. It is a highly fluid and versatile arrangement that allows units to shift between eight different tactical states to counter any enemy movement.

Diagram of the Solid, False, and Empty Formation Explanation original: 實假虛 (Shijiaxu). A masterclass in psychological warfare and deception. This formation mixes "solid" (strong, well-manned) lines with "false" (decoy) and "empty" (unmanned) sectors to trick the enemy into attacking where they are most vulnerable.

Diagram of the Hollow-Centered Formation Explanation original: 中虛 (Zhongxu). A formation with a deliberate void in the middle. This is often used to lure the enemy into a "trap" in the center, only for the surrounding units to collapse inward and encircle them.

Diagram of the "Three Outlets and One Wall" Formation for Pursuing Invaders Explanation original: 追虜三出一堵墻 (Zhuilu Sanchu Yiduqiang). A specific tactic for the final phase of a battle. The "wall" prevents the enemy from breaking through, while three "outlets" or specialized pursuit units are released to hunt down fleeing troops.

Diagram of the Troop Deployment Formation for Exterminating Invaders Explanation original: 勦虜出兵 (Jiaolu Chubing). A heavy-offensive arrangement specifically designed for the decisive destruction of enemy forces once they have been engaged.