Treatise on Military Preparations, Volume 45

[Page 11]

武備志卷一百二十二
Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 122

...the achievement of reclaiming territories and eradicating the monstrous predators original: 鯨鯢 (jingni); literally "whales and giant salamanders," a classical metaphor for rebels or cruel oppressors who devour the innocent.. May the hidden realms of spirits and the manifest world of men unite in sincerity. May you enjoy great blessings.

Please accept this offering.

Sacrificial Prayer to Chiyou

On this [Year], [Month], and [Day], the official [Name and Title], respectfully offers this animal sacrifice to the spirit of Chiyou Chiyou: A legendary tribal leader and deity of war. Although he was the antagonist of the Yellow Emperor, he is venerated in military ritual as the inventor of metal weapons and the first to organize formal warfare., descendant of the Flame Emperor original: 炎帝 (Yandi); also known as Shennong, the legendary progenitor of agriculture who preceded the Yellow Emperor..

Alas! In the beginning of high antiquity, people valued simplicity and sincerity. They fashioned stones into tools and strung wood into bows. Then you, O Deity, smelted metal to make weapons and cut hide to make armor. You established the banners and flags; you set up the drums and gongs. You created the spear and the shield for the purpose of battle.

When the Sage [the Yellow Emperor] swept across the four seas, subduing those who refused to attend the imperial court, he overcame the strong and extended his majesty. He campaigned against rebels and executed the violent. He utilized the advantages of the Five Weapons Five Weapons: A traditional classification of ancient Chinese arms, usually consisting of the bow, the spear, the halberd, the shield, and the battle-ax. as a resource for ten thousand nations.

I, who nurture the common people, now lead a righteous expedition against the ungrateful. The frontier tribes have launched sudden incursions, and like swarming ants, they fight in the remote wilderness. I have ordered the great army to be on high alert to respectfully carry out Heaven’s punishment.

May the Deity grant great fortune, causing the "lightning-drums" to swell our morale and the "bear-banners" to manifest our power. Let no fortification remain un-